VERO BEACH, FLA. — Joseph W. Hickenbottom, formerly vice-president of sales and marketing for Malt Products Corp., died at age 84 in Vero Beach on Nov. 5.

Mr. Hickenbottom was born in Palmer, Neb., on Dec. 22, 1934, and grew up in Sterling, Colo., He graduated from South Dakota School of Technology.

Before going to work in the food industry, Mr. Hickenbottom served in Europe as a radio technician for the U.S. Army. He was retired from Malt Products Corp., a manufacturer and distributor of natural sweeteners and based in Saddle Brook, N.J. He lived in New York and New Jersey before moving to Vero Beach.

He was preceded in death by his mother Lucy, his father Joseph William, Sr., his sister Norma Countryman and his wife Joyce Vanderveer. Survivors include his brother Alan D. Hickenbottom of Bradenton, Fla.; stepchildren Lynne C. Brentnall of Palm City, Fla., Fred M. Vanderveer of Marathon, Fla., William E. Vanderveer of Daytona Beach, Fla., Joy E. Funk of Ocean City, N.J., and Penny L. Davidson of Salem, Ore.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Graveside services will be held Nov. 15 at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach.