Richard A. Dickinson

Richard A. Dickinson 85, of Indianapolis passed away on January 8, 2019. He was born on June 24, 1933, in Indianapolis to the Late George and Eleanor Dickinson.

Richard graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1951, attended DePauw College and Indiana University before being drafted in to the United States Army where he served in the intelligence section, Headquarters 7th Army, Vaihingen, West Germany. During his service there, he flew back to the United States, married his high school sweetheart, Helen Middleton, and they both resided in West Germany until he received his honorable discharge, returned to finish College at Butler University and started a family with three daughters; Leigh, Lisabeth and Laura.

In 1955 he joined his brother Bob at Mobile Drilling Company, a manufacturer for exploratory drilling machines and accessories, becoming Executive VP of Marketing and later, President of Mobile Drill International where he spent the next 35 years traveling overseas and working with the company’s export partner headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. He was the Indiana Representative to the World Council of International Trade Commission under Senator Lugar.

Richard was active in his community, serving on the Indianapolis Board of Public Safety, Indiana/Swiss Foundation, President of Williams Creek Town Council, World Trade Club of Indiana, Midwest Parenting Publications, Lambs Club of Indianapolis and on the Board of Directors with Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, Meridian Hills Country Club, University Club of Indianapolis and a former member of the Skyline Club, Columbia Club, Indianapolis Athletic Club, and Indiana Wine & Food Society.

Richard was an avid sportsman with a love of fly fishing, duck, quail, and pheasant hunting – a member of the Circle City Duck Club – and, golf and tennis. One of the few who have had 5 hole-n-ones!

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Robert. He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters: Leigh (Peter) Dykema, Lisabeth (Thomas) Armstrong, Laura (Tom) Lewis; younger brother, David Michael of Winter Park Florida; ten Grandchildren; and seven Great Grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at Meridian Street UMC on January 19 at 2pm. A gathering of friends and family will follow the Memorial Service in the Parlor. A private burial for family will be held at Washington Park North Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home, 515 W. Camp Street, P.O. Box 747, Lebanon, IN 46052.