Robert Patrick Louis Cornell Hicks Sr.

Robert Patrick Louis Cornell Hicks Sr. was born in Los Angeles, California to his proud parents Herman Hicks Sr. and Ella Mae Hicks on Friday, 6th of September, 1946. He was the baby boy of the family.

Cornell attended school at 102nd Street School, Markham Middle School, Los Angeles Jordan High School, and Centennial High School in Compton. His education continued at Compton College where he studied Psychology.

When he was thirteen years old the family moved to a house on Holmes Avenue, right next to the Alexanders. That's when and where he met his true love and wife for life, Helen Marie Alexander. On August 4, 1968 Cornell and Helen joined in marriage and to this union were born six children - Yaeka, Robert Jr., Umallah, Khalilah, Naima and Fineto Hicks.

After a spiritual transformation, Cornell changed his name to Khandu Yossef. He was a very caring man who loved spending time at family reunions and special occasions. He loved to BBQ.

He had a passion for music, handed down through the family. Playing the flute and beating the bongos with his big brothers was one of his many joys. Cornell often speak of how proud he was of his family, his children and grandchildren.

He loves to ride motorcycles, play Spades, Bid Whist, Dominoes. His favorite teams were the Los Angeles Lakers, USC Trojans, Oakland-Los Angeles and Las Vegas Raiders.

After the passing of his beloved wife Helen on Feb. 1, 2005, he continued to lead his family.

He worked for Compton Unified School District as a Maintenance Worker from 1992-2005.

On October 21, 2025, Cornell peacefully transitioned at his home. He leaves a legacy of love and pride through his children and grandchildren.

Cornell was preceded in death by his parents: Herman and Ella Mae Hicks; wife Helen Hicks; brothers Herman Sr., James (Bright), Leroy (Sonny) and Billy Sr. Hicks; sisters Raye Evelyn and Vaundie Marie; and sister-in-law Debra Alexander.

He leaves to cherish Two sons Robert Jr. (Leslie) and Fineto Hicks; Four daughters Yaeka, Umallah (Kevin), Khalilah Stafford (Philip) and Naima Bernard (Corey); grandchildren Carlton, Yancy, Nauz, Jerrod, Derrick, Derron, Robert Hicks III, Jahshua, Olivia, Patrick, Ayana, Kameron, Kali, Khristian, Neri, Carmelo, Kemuel, Neliah and Madison; Three sisters Yvonne Pollard (Macon), Doris Hale aka Lowie and Renee Fregia; Two brother-in-laws Otis, William Alexander III; Two sister-in-laws Barbara Singleton and Linda Alexander. He also leaves a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.