Lt. Colonel Walter M. Dickinson

LT. COLONEL WALTER M. DICKINSON SR., age 97, met his Heavenly Father on December 14, 2018. He was the 3rd of 4 children born to Ruby and Walter M. Dickinson of Worcester, Massachusetts. Walter is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary Carlice Mathis Dickinson, brother Win Dickinson of Worcester, daughters Marilyn Miller and Carolyn Owen (Charlie), and son Walt M. Dickinson Jr. (DeeDee), grandchildren Michelle Nichols (Larry), Laura Geurin (Scott), Dickinson Gates Smith, Walt Dickinson III, Mary Dickinson and Will Dickinson. Walter is also survived by 4 great grandchildren, Lindsey and Miller Nichols, Scottie and Rileigh Geurin. Walter was a WWII veteran. After enlisting in the Army, he was sent to the Pacific theater where he was wounded in combat in Okinawa, ultimately earning two purple hearts and a bronze star. Following active duty he continued his military career in the Army Reserve where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. While stationed at Camp Robinson before the war, Walter met the love of his life, Carlice Mathis. After the war he returned to Arkansas and they were married in 1945. He graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1950 and returned to Little Rock where he began his long career with Missouri Pacific Railroad. He also served as a trustee for the United States Bankruptcy Court until retirement at the age of 88. At that time, he was the oldest living trustee in the United States. Walter loved the outdoors. Hiking, camping and climbing Pinnacle Mountain (which he did until his early 80's) where favorites. Also, he was an avid reader of mystery novels. Most of all, Walter was a Godly, spiritual man. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and on the board of trustees. He also taught Sunday school to teens for over 50 years. He was a member of the Arkansas Bar Association, past president of the Optimist Club and a member of the LR Touchdown Club, which he enjoyed immensely. Carolyn and Walt would like to thank their sister Marilyn for living with and taking care of their parents. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Drew Kumpuris, Dr. Cliff Parnell, and Dr. Kenneth Johnson. We would also like to acknowledge the staff at Kindred Hospice and Woodland Heights Memory Care for their loving, compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations to First Baptist Church, Little Rock are appreciated. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 18th at 10:30 a.m., Roller Chenal Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 11:30 and burial will be at Pinecrest at 1:00. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.