Richard Walter Dickinson

After a short bout of cancer, Dick passed away on June 4, 2016. He is preceded in death by father, Derwood Dickinson; mother, Thelma McManus; stepmother, Gloria Dickinson; and son-in-law Jim Baker.

He is survived by wife, June; daughter, Lori Baker of East Lansing; brothers, Larry (Tammy) of Kansas City, Don (Phyllis) of Mason; step-brother, Brian (Kathy) McManus; step-son, Richard (Joyce) Groenink of Hudsonville, Michigan; grandchildren, Jami Baker of Lansing, Dustin Baker of Arlington, Virginia, Mark (Stacy) Groenink, Ruth (Jayme) Gifford, all of Hudsonville, Michigan; several nieces; nephews; and great grandchildren.

Born in Lansing on January 21, 1940, Dick was a lifelong resident of mid- Michigan, living in Okemos and then Perry. He graduated from Okemos High School and was a proud graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Agriculture. Dick had a love of farming and lived for tilling the soil, planting and harvesting the crops.

He was active in 4-H, FFA and showed horses, beef cattle and sheep with great success. He served as a longtime superintendent of sheep at both the Ingham County Fair and Michigan State Fair. He was also a past president of the American Cheviot Sheep Society. He was a member of the Okemos Masonic Lodge All Color Tractor Club and County Line Tractor Club.

Dick was a NASCAR fan, enjoyed fishing and time on the water, and was a big Spartan fan. He and June enjoyed wintering in Florida. Dick will be sorely missed by all those who were fortunate to know him.

Funeral Service will be held June 7, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at West Locke Wesleyan Church, 2652 Haslett Rd., Williamston, MI with Rev. Michael A. Black officiating. Interment will follow at Rowley Cemetery, Williamston, MI. The family will receive visitors June 6, 2016 from 2:00- 4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Gorsline Ruciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Middle St., Williamston, MI.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dick’s honor to the Michigan FFA Foundation, 446 West. Circle Drive, 319 Morrill Hall of Agriculture, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Williamston Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grwilliamston.com