Ernest "Ernie" Leroy Dickey

Ernest Leroy "Ernie" Dickey, age 90, of Tamaroa, passed away peacefully at 1:00pm on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Fairview Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Du Quoin.

Ernest was born in Montrose, Illinois on September 14, 1932, the son of Homer and Lillian (Jostes) Dickey. He married Rozella May White in Sesser on December 24, 1954. Together, they shared more than 67 years of marriage until her passing on April 13, 2022. 

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for four years as a bombardier. The Du Quoin Elks Lodge 884 benefited from his devotion as a Past Exalted Ruler and consistent participation in gatherings and fundraisers. Ernie was also a member of the American Legion, Masons, and Shriners and enjoyed his many visits to the VFW as well.

After 32 years of working at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, he retired to spend time on the water fishing, avidly hunting, and woodworking. Ernie loved to be around people. He would spend countless hours with friends and family offering help, sharing jokes, and making good conversation the entire time. Du Quoin Lake was his favorite place in the world and sharing the view of the lake with his wife Rozella was time most cherished.  Besides the constant visits of family and friends, he hosted the Dickey family reunion for over 30 years. Family and friends were most important to him, giving everything he had to help them, make them laugh, and feel a special part of his family.

He is survived by his sons- Dennis R. Dickey (Sarah nee Fieker) and Marion M. Dickey (Desiree nee St. Clair); sister- Lillie Loman; Seven Grandchildren- David Dasher of Belleville, Chandra Dame and Jeremy Howard of Centralia, Paige Dickey and Russell Arndt of Marion, Katie and Josh Gass of Fairview Heights, Michaela Dickey and Jake Stafford of St. Louis, Missouri, Corey Dickey of Panama City, Florida, Wesley Dickey of Panama City, Florida; seven great grandchildren and countless cousins.

Preceding him in death were his wife- Rozella, son- Robbie G Dickey (Lisa nee Davis), grandson- Justin Dickey, brothers- Earl Wayne, Kenneth Marion, Ray Ellsworth, Mervil Edgar, Harlan Lewis and Wesley Eugene, and sisters- Lora Evelyn, Erma Ruth, Helen Ilene, and Phyllis Marie. 

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, where he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Rozella. Reverend Robert Morwell will officiate. Military honors will be presented by the Du Quoin VFW and American Legion Honor Guards with assistance from the United States Air Force Ritual Team. Family and friends are asked to gather directly at the cemetery.

The family would also like to announce a celebration of Ernie and Rozella’s lives will be held from 12-4pm on Friday, June 30, 2023, at the Dickey’s lakeside home, a place they treasured (3658 Kendale Acres Road in Tamaroa, IL 62888). Family and friends may gather directly at the home to join in food and fellowship. The B.P.O.E. Lodge 884 will perform the Elks Funeral Ritual at the home celebration on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 12:00pm noon.

Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Du Quoin is assisting the family with final arrangements. For more information, or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.maxtonrosado.com or call 618-542-2020.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, the Illinois Veteran’s Home of Anna, or the Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation. Donations may be mailed to: Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home; 11 S. Hickory Street; Du Quoin, IL 62832.

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