Steven Sheely Dickerson

Steve Dickerson, 64, of Lucerne, Missouri, passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, October 12, 2020.

Steven Sheely Dickerson was born in Unionville, Missouri, on February 14, 1956, the son of Willis and Faye (Sheely) Dickerson.  He was raised in rural Unionville and graduated from Putnam County R-1 High School in 1974.  After a year in college, Steve married Kay Cooley at the Lucerne Christian Church on August 31, 1975.  He immediately began farming with his father-in-law, Russell Cooley, in western Putnam County.  Steve joined partnership with Cooley Farm Service and then bought the business in 1995, renaming it Dickerson Grain. The fertilizer plant also served as a Lucerne gathering place where Steve spent most mornings drinking coffee with friends as they talked about politics, current events, and working to keep America great. He continued to farm and raise cattle, and was eventually joined by his son, Josh.  He was honest and fair in his business dealings, was always ready to help anyone that needed it and was a faithful servant of the Lord as a member of the Lucerne Christian Church, serving as a deacon and trustee.

Steve was a simple man who strived to live his life with common sense and a good attitude.  He was an excellent storyteller and was known for his sayings. On Sunday's during Bible study, he often said, "It's all about attitude."  Another of his often-heard phrases was "Oh, for pity sake." When his kids needed correcting, he would ask, "Well, did you learn anything?" He never raised his voice. He always said, "The madder you get, the softer you talk, because then they have to listen."

Steve loved to be with his kids and grandkids teaching them to fish, drive the tractor, complete chores, shoot guns and ride horses. He enjoyed encouraging his grandkids by attending their school events and activities and talking with them about what was going on in their lives. He and Kay were known for their spontaneous road trips that started at the end of their driveway with a decision to go right or left, then at the next stop sign, right or left. They might tell the kids they were taking off for Wisconsin and end up in New Mexico, instead.

In his youth, he was a drummer. At the age of ten, he began playing drums with his father's country music band, later known as The Maverick's. In his upper teens and 20's, his Saturday nights were spent on the stage of Rathbun Country Music Theater, with his Dad on lead guitar.  Steve and Kay's second date was at Rathbun, and they were married on a Sunday because Saturday's were for making music.

Steve was a jack-of-all-trades. When the kids were younger, he began a leather business, repairing and making anything from belts, chaps to even a saddle.  He loved horses, and he broke a team of Belgium workhorses, Barney, Clyde & later Dutch, that he often drove in parades.  He also broke a working horse, Dollar, and the kids have great memories of riding horses around the farm.

Steve is survived by his wife, Kay, and his family: daughter Angie Sidden and husband John of Liberty, Missouri, and son Josh Dickerson and wife Melody (who worked alongside Steve at the feed store) of Lucerne, Missouri. Steve's grandchildren are Mitchell and Carter Sidden and Adeline, Gretchen, and Charley Dickerson.  He is also survived by his father, Willis Dickerson, of Unionville, Missouri, as well as a brother, Brent (Kelly) Dickerson of Centralia, Missouri, and a sister Gena (Barry) Fitzgerald of Liberty, Missouri.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Faye, and brother, Tim Dickerson.

Funeral services for Steve Dickerson will be at the Lucerne Christian Church in Lucerne, Missouri, at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 17, with visitation from 9:00 – 11:00 am the same day as the service.  Interment will be at the Lucerne Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Lucerne Christian Church or the Lucerne Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th, Unionville, Missouri.