Gary P. Dickson

Gary Paul Dickson, 69, of Bluffton passed away on Monday, December 5, 2016 at the University of Michigan Cancer Center. He was born on December 27, 1946 in Pennville to Raymond and Ola (Pyle) Dickson. He was married on June 17, 1967 at the First United Methodist Church to Barb K. Grimes.

He graduated from Pennville High School in 1964 and served active duty in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1968 during the Vietnam Conflict, along with serving four years in the Naval Reserve. He worked at Franklin Electric in Bluffton, Melching Machine Shop in Ossian, and retired as the supervisor of the tool room at Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, a golfer, and enjoyed helping the Bluffton Bengal Brigade and supporting the Bluffton High School show choir. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton, Bluffton Elks Lodge and the Wells County Democratic Party.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Lisa K. (Chad) Sheets; and Laura L. (Ryan) James, both of Bluffton; brother, Gerald (Sondra) Dickson of Portland; sister, Ann Williams of Appalachia, Virginia; and six grandchildren, Cole, Carson and Lily Sheets; and Rebecca, Sara and Elizabeth James.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Duane and Neil Dickson; and sister, Dorothy Dawson.

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9 at Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, December 10 at First United Methodist Church in Bluffton. Officiating will be Pastor Bruce Holland and Pastor Steve Bard. Burial will at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton. An Elks Memorial Service will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton and the United States Navy Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the University of Michigan Cancer Center for Myelofibrosis Research.

Arrangements provided by Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Online condolences may be made at www.thomarich.com.