Billy Dickens
Billy R. Dickens, 84, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 3, 2021 at St. James Living Center.
Billy Ray was born June 20, 1936, in Cuba, MO, to Arthur and Opal (Worley) Dickens. He attended and graduated from Bourbon High School, class of 1953. Bill then honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1957. He also worked with his local weather agency REACT team to report weather conditions through the ham radio.
Bill was united in marriage to Gale Rowden on January 4, 1959. They were blessed with two children, Gary and Sherry, and 62 years of marriage together. Bill was employed as a machinist for Neiman Tool, and later, Ace Rockwell Manufacturing. For 32 years, Bill and Gale enjoyed camping and trout fishing at Cloud Nine Ranch in Caufield, MO. Later, they started camping at Treasure Lake in Branson, MO, where they enjoyed time with numerous friends through the years. Many evenings were spent around a campfire, singing and playing guitar. Bill enjoyed playing guitar and singing for family, friends and local audiences. He was a faithful Christian man and a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Bourbon. His quick wit and sense of humor will be missed by his family and many friends.
Bill is survived by his wife, Gale Dickens, of Sullivan, MO; his son, Gary Dickens and wife, Brenda, of Whitwell, TN, and his daughter, Sherry Hebbert and husband, Steve, of Nixa, MO; six grandchildren: Lara Garrett and husband, Joshua, Brooke Hebbert and fiancé, Zeb Miller, Brandon Hebbert and wife, Karen, all of Springfield, MO, Leann Ivesdal and husband, Lance, of Colorado Springs, CO, Gary Ray Dickens and wife, Holly, of Florence, KY, and Eric Dickens and wife, Billie Jean, of Rossville, TN; thirteen great-grandchildren: Benjamin & Madeline Garrett, Brianna Nicole, Gabriel, Blake & Haven Dickens, Mackenzie, Christopher, Rayne, Erica Taylor, Raven & Damien Hunter, & Bryce Ivesdal; one great-great-grandson, Mason Dickens; two sisters-in-law, Sue Dickens of Sullivan, MO and Sandy Rowden of Stanton, MO; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Opal Dickens; his granddaughter, Ashley Dickens; one brother, Floyd Dickens; one sister, Lucille Green; and his brother-in-law, Ronald Rowden.
Visitation was held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Funeral Services were 11 a.m., Friday, May 7, 2021 at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, with Pastor Mike King officiating. Interment followed in I.O.O.F. Memorial Cemetery – Sullivan.
Memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Friends may send online condolences to Billy’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.