William L. Dickinson

William L Dickinson, died unexpectedly, Feb 27, 2012, as a result of a stroke, while visiting his daughter in Surprise, Arizona. He was lovingly cared for in his last days at Hospice of Arizona. A native of Zanesville, Ohio, Mr. Dickinson had lived in Port Richey, Florida the past 22 years.

He was born in Zanesville, August 25, 1928, the son of William H Dickinson and Agnes Zimba Dickinson. He graduated from St Nicholas High School in 1946, and briefly attended seminary with the intention of entering the priesthood. However, his calling changed and he joined The United States Air Force in November of 1950. He served as a turret system mechanic and technical instructor while stationed in Japan during the Korean Conflict. He received The Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was also a member in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #302 Zanesville for 44 years, Veterans Of Foreign Wars and Knights of Columbus. His civilian career was with Line Material (now Cooper Industries) in Zanesville where he worked as an electrical systems inspector until his retirement in 1990.

August 2, 1958, William married Madeline (Young) Wagner. On that wonderful day he also became a father to two little girls, Jane (Wagner) Mitchell, and Rebecca (Wagner) Brucato, who to this day are quite pleased he did not become a priest.

He loved to play golf and table tennis and watch The Ohio State Buckeyes play basketball and football. He enjoyed baseball and looked forward every year to attending Spring Training baseball games both in Florida and Arizona. As a former co-owner of race horses, he still liked to go to Tampa Bay Downs in Florida.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in law, Jane and Ralph Mitchell of Zanesville, Ohio, and former Ashland, Ohio residents, Becky and Mike Brucato of Surprise, Arizona. The grandchildren who will so miss him are Lori Brucato Alexander, and her husband, Trevor, of Lewis Center, Ohio, Ben Brucato and Charmon Tenney, of Troy, New York, Travis and Monica Mitchell, of West Monroe, LA, and Troy and Veronica Mitchell of Arkadelphia, AR. He was also blessed to have spent much time with his great grandchildren in the past few years. They are Madison, Tyler and Timmy Mitchell, Juniper Brucato, Michael, Reagan, and Evelyn Alexander, and Daphne Willis.

He is survived by one sister, Carol Cummings of Cincinnati, OH, and one brother, Phillip of Omaha, Nebraska, and many nieces and nephews. He had a very special friendship with niece Karen Caw and her husband Terry, of Port Richey, FL.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, his brothers, Joseph and Richard Dickinson, and sisters Katherine, Rita, Mary and baby Agnes.

The Visitation will be from 5-8 PM, Friday, March 23, 2012 at Hillis Funeral Home, 935 Forest Ave., Zanesville, OH 43701 with the Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM, Saturday, March 24, 2012 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 925 East Main St., Zanesville, OH. Interment to follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Zanesville, OH.

Memorial Contribution may be made to Hospice of Arizona, 19702 N. Routzahn Way, Sun City West, AZ 85375 or the Eagles Ohio State Auxiliary Diabetes Fund % F.O.E- 404 Kennison Ave. - New Carlisle, Ohio 45344-1311.