Marilyn Hickey’s Husband Passes Away at 87
Marilyn Hickey’s husband, Wallace, passed away on Friday. Known as Pastor Wally, he was born in 1925 and died peaceably confident of better days ahead after 50-plus years of ministry.
Wallace was the founding pastor of Orchard Road Christian Center (ORCC). On fire with a hunger to evangelize in 1958, he soon accepted the pastoral call which is at the heart of his God-given ministry.
Following an initial assignment as visitation pastor in Amarillo, Texas, Wallace and Hickey returned to Colorado to pioneer Full Gospel Chapel in Denver. Starting with a core of just 25 people in 1960, the congregation grew to more than 2,000 by the mid-1980s.
Renamed Happy Church, it became one of America’s leading centers of charismatic Christianity. Known today as Orchard Road Christian Center, the congregation is in its fifth decade. The Hickeys’ son-in-law, Reece Bowling, and daughter, Sarah, now pastor the church.
“I am deeply touched by the prayers, words of encouragement, love and support already expressed to me and my family. Throughout his 87 years, Wally touched many lives and it blesses me to hear the expressions of love extended during this time. He would have loved it!,” Hickey says.
“It was Wally’s desire that we celebrate his passing rather than mourn and so with that we have planned his Celebration Service to be held on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. in the ORCC sanctuary. Truly, it will not be a normal funeral but a wonderful celebration. This was his desire. We will also be praying for the sick and Wally left a special message for you so you don’t want to miss it.”
In lieu of flowers and gifts, Wally requested contributions be sent to Sarah’s outreach, Saving Moses. This way his legacy and love for the lost will continue. Address donations to:
Saving Moses
Attn: Sarah Bowling
8081 E. Orchard Road
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
