Bob was born September 15,1930 to Robert and Dore Dickerson in St. Louis, Missouri. The oldest of four brothers; Donald, Richard, and Philip. Bob and his brothers grew up in the city of brotherly love Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Bob earned a Bachelors of Science Degree from West Chester State College in 1952 before joining the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. After earning his pilots wings, Bob served his country as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War earning The Air Medal and The Distinguished Flying Cross piloting the F100 Super Sabre Jet.
Lt Colonel Dickerson was honored in September 2013 with his name being inscribed on the National Air and Space Museum’s Wall of Honor located at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly Virginia, as a permanent testament to his commitment to the passion of flight. Lt Col Dickerson retired from the Air Force in April 1975 having served his country for 23 years.
After retiring from the military, Bob spent several years in Iran working as an Instructor/ Supervisor, teaching academic and maintenance skills to Iranian trainees in safety procedures in the use of tools and equipment for Bell Helicopter Textron. Bob was one of the last employees to vacate Iran during the Iranian revolution.
Upon his return to the United States, Bob continued using his teaching skills working for Gary Job Corp, instructing his students in Physical and Health Sciences. Bob retired from Gary with the deep appreciation of the Texas Educational Foundation for 20 years of outstanding service.
His affection for flying and instruction are only exceeded by passion for his family. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bob spent his retirement years using his skills as a craftsman, doing work for both family and friends, teaching his children and grandchildren handyman skills acquired over a lifetime.
Bob also spent his retirement years attending birthday parties, recitals and sporting events for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No event too far or too long.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Jo Ann Dickerson; his brothers, Richard and Phillip, and his oldest son, Arthur R. Dickerson. Bob is survived by his younger brother, Donald Dickerson, two children; daughter, Denise Richard of League City, Texas and son, Robert W (Bobby) Dickerson and his wife Shawne of Round Rock, Texas; grandchildren, Andrea Blount of Austin and Robert W (Wesley) Dickerson, Jr. of Round Rock; two great- grandchildren, Mercedez Flood and Janessa Blount and a host of loving nieces and nephews from coast to coast.
The Dickerson and Richard families wish to acknowledge the management and staff of University Village Memory Care for the care our father received during his final days.