Rollie Charles Dickinson

Rollie Charles Dickinson, 98, of Bolivar passed away at his residence on Monday, July 21, 2014 following a prolonged illness. Rollie, the second of twins, was born on November 19, 1915 in Independence, Missouri to George H. and Ina Dickinson. He also had a loving step-mother in Genevieve Dickinson. Rollie was one of 11 children and belonged to a close knit family. He was especially close to his twin brother Leo and his older brother Jim. He had a happy childhood attending a small one-room school house in Tonganoxie, Kansas. He enjoyed most outdoor sports, especially football. At age 14 he began caddying at the Hickory Hills Golf Course in Kansas City where upon occasion he would be allowed to play. From that time on he was hooked and played whenever he could! Rollie and Reba were married on January 1, 1939 and after 74 years of marriage they were still happy together. Prior to their marriage Rollie spent 4 years in the US Marine Corps. He had 3 primary loves in his life. He loved his profession. He joined the US Air Force Reserves during WWII and was involved with the maintenance of the B-25 at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Kansas City. He also flew the B-25. After the base closed he went to work at the Olathe Naval Air Base in Gardner, Kansas until receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1973. Upon retirement Rollie and Reba moved to Stockton where he could play golf and go fishing. They moved to Bolivar in 1981 where he played golf everyday and went fishing. He enjoyed his companions, his friends and buddies and would come home laughing about some of the antics and jokes some of the boys had pulled. They were all quite competitive but after an injury he would go to the club to ride with the guys and hold the flag. Rollie had a tremendous love for his family and he was kind and gentle with everyone. He greatly loved his only child, his daughter Gail who passed away December 22, 2013 and his wife Reba. He had many friends and was well liked. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Gail; 8 brothers and sisters. Rollie is survived by his wife Reba of the home; son-in-law Byron Patrick "Rick" Geller; grandson Michael Charles Etherton and his wife Anita Washam; grandson Paul Allen Bojeck and his wife Tanya; great-grandson Brett Charles Etherton; sister Ruth Louise Butler; numerous nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Bolivar. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge and was a member of the American Legion. Gravesite services for Rollie Dickinson will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar with full military honors. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM Friday evening at Murray Funeral Home. Memorials in Rollie's memory are suggested to the CMH Hospice. Online condolences may be submitted at www.murrayfuneralhomes.com. PDF Printable Version

Rollie Charles Dickinson

November 19, 1915 - July 21, 2014