Donald Dickerson

On Thursday, May 20, 2021, after an extended illness, Donald L. Dickerson passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side.

He was born Dec. 4, 1931, in Jackson, the only child of William Pearl and Lillie Lucille Dickerson.

He graduated from Jackson High School in 1954, where he was active in sports, debate and music. His lifelong love of music was inspired by his mother, a self-taught fiddler. He attended Southeast Missouri State College, now Southeast Missouri State University, and was one of the first to graduate with a liberal arts degree majoring in history. He was an excellent debater, participated in musical productions during his college years and played guitar with local bands in the area.

After graduation, he volunteered for the draft and was in the U.S. Army for two years. He trained as a radio communications operative, but was then stationed at a base near Anchorage, Alaska, where he served as the post exchange manager. After his service, he attended the University of Missouri Law School, thanks to help from the GI Bill. After graduation from law school, he returned to Cape Girardeau and practiced trial law for more than 50 years. He was genuinely liked, admired and respected by his fellow lawyers.

Donald served on the Board of Regents at Southeast Missouri State University from 1993-2004 and was president of the board from 1996-2004. He was instrumental in providing the leadership to extend the university's educational mission to rural areas to Southeast Missouri through several outreach centers, and he worked for many years to promote the building of River Campus for the Performing and Visual Arts.

He is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Jo Anne Dickerson; daughter, Nancy (Terry) Randol; stepsons, Christian (Heather) Schulte and Matthew Schulte; as well as grandchildren, Devin Dickerson and Bailey Randol, Megan, Amelia, Elisabeth and Cecilia Schulte, and Piper, Roxana and Milo Schulte.

He was a loving husband, father and papa, and will be deeply missed. His family is sad he is no longer with them but happy he is now at peace. The family wishes to thank the nurses, aides and staff of Crown Hospice for providing him with compassionate care in his home for nine months.

According to his wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. A celebration of his life with family and friends will be held at the family home at a future date.

Memorial contributions may be given in his honor to the Donald L. Dickerson Scholarship for Theater and Dance at Southeast Missouri State University, or the charity of your choice.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.