He is preceded in death by his parents, Mattie and Arthur Odell Dickey; and his sister, Jeannie Blaylock. He is survived by the love of his life, Kathleen Ann Dickey; his son, Dean Odell Dickey and wife Brenda of Lead Hill; his daughter, Paige Ingram and husband Jim of Fort Smith and daughter, Kiann Robinson of Grapevine, Texas; his grandchildren, Jeb Dickey, MacLeod Dickey and wife Crystal, Gavin Dickey, Zach Ingram and wife Hannah, Brecken Ingram, Jake Ingram, Logan Tolliver, and Jett Tolliver were a source of pride and joy. He felt honored to be active with his two great grandchildren, Eli and Sam Odell; and a nephew, Richard “Dick” Renfro and wife Donna of Wichita, Kansas.
Don grew up in Fort Smith attending First United Methodist Church and Fort Smith High class of 1959. He then attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from University of Arkansas in 1965. Don was well known for being a business owner in AR, MO, and CO and thought to be a pioneer in the wood truss
industry. Don’s love for Christ and his family was immense. He and Kathy had a loving marriage for 59 years. Don was known for his kind heart, giving spirit, love of music and dancing. He never met a stranger and always talked and treated everyone with love and respect. Don was an active member of Community Bible Church. He loved his friends, many of over 60+ years. He was part of The Rail Gang, Sons of Barnabas, Knights of the Village Inn Roundtable, Class of 59, Covenant Bible Study, and Community Bible Home Groups. He enjoyed volunteering at the Sack Lunch Program and being at his vacation home on Greers Ferry Lake.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Sack Lunch Program. Due to restrictions placed from Covid-19, Don’s memorial will be family only. To celebrate Don’s life join a live stream of the service on Communitychurch.com, 10 AM, Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Arrangements are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home.
