Wickes served as director of bands at the University of Florida from 1973 to 1980, then came to LSU. Wickes’ tenure at LSU entailed conducting the LSU Wind Ensemble and teaching courses in graduate wind conducting and wind literature. He was honored by LSU in 1999 with an endowed alumni professorship and again in 2000 with a special recognition from the chancellor. He was inducted into the Louisiana Music Educators Hall of Fame in 2009

Wickes’ former University of Florida student, Linda Moorhouse, was associate director of bands at LSU before leaving for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010, where she’s now associate director of the School of Music.

“Words cannot adequately express how deeply saddened we all are of Frank’s passing,” she said. “I worked with him for 25 years during my time at LSU and will be eternally grateful for the mentorship, opportunities and support he showed to me during those years. And while his legacy as a true musician, teacher and leader will live on in his students, I can tell you the entire band world is grieving right now.”

Wickes served as president of the Southern Division of the College Band Directors National Association from 1988 to 1990 and president of the American Bandmasters Association from 1997 to 1998.

After retirement in 2010, Wickes traveled the country, working as a clinician and mentor to band programs. He conducted more than 40 all-state honor bands and actively participated in numerous national workshops.

He was a loyal member of WASBE.