Roger William Hickernell Obituary
Roger William Hickernell, 84, of Bensalem passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne Pennsylvania.
He was born to the late Sarah and George Hickernell in Mechanicsburg, PA and was raised in Middletown Township. He received his high school diploma from Middletown high school. Upon graduation, he attended Elizabethtown College for 1-year and decided he wanted to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force for 4-years, 1961-1965. He furthered his education and attended Philadelphia College of the Bible (now known as CARIN University) for 8 1/2 years and received his bachelor's in theology.
After Roger received Christ as his Saviour, he committed his life to full-time ministry. His first ministry was serving as a field director for Child Evangelism Fellowship. He then served as the visitation pastor at Marcus Hook Baptist Church in Marcus Hook, Pa. He was then elected as the senior pastor of Grace Independent Baptist Church in Pendel, Pa where he served for 10 years. Roger always had a passion for the neighboring city of Philadelphia and was called to establish a new ministry in South Philadelphia on Broad Street, i.e. Open-Door Baptist Church. He continued as the pastor of Open Door Baptist which merged with the historical, Third Baptist Church, and was later named Lighthouse Baptist Church which is still located on 2400 Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA. He continued in this capacity up until his retirement in 2006. During his retirement he continued to work in various capacities in both ministry and secular, most notably with Denney Electric for 15 years as their Credit and Collection manager.
Roger was not only devoted to the ministry, but he was equally a devoted husband and father. Roger found great enjoyment taking trips with his family and was an avid fan of Dunkin' Donuts coffee and doughnuts. Due to his passion for the aforementioned, his family also developed a love for the same. When he had free time, you could always find him with a book in hand and a legal tablet taking notes in preparation for a study, training, or sermon. He also enjoyed spending time with his loyal and beloved Shih Tzu, Snickers.
Roger is survived by his wife, of over 63 years, Janice Hickernell; his children, Denise, Deanna, and David Hickernell; his brother, Larry James Hickernell; his 10 grandchildren, Jeremy, Amelia, Annelise, Abigail, Josiah, Roland, Ryden, Erika, Jonathon, and Matilda; his 12 great grandchildren, Emma, Ethan, Elliott, Everly, Lucy, Aida, Lincoln, CeeCee, William, Greta, Ophelia and Ella. After many years of faithful service, Roger is now enjoying being in the presence of his Saviour.
Galatians 2:20. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."Graveside services and military honors will be rendered in the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd., Newtown PA 18940, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered in Roger's memory to his wife, Janice E. Hickernell. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Arrangements are under the direction of the J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel in Morrisville, PA.
