Hiram Benjamin Dickson

Hiram B. Dickson rose to join his Lord on 27 March 2010 at age 89. He was born November 8, 1920, on his parents farm five miles south of Admire, Kansas, one of 6 children. He attended elementary and high school in Admire, Kansas, then graduated from Kansas State (College) University in 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, later graduated from Officers Candidate School and became Team Leader of Underwater Demolition Team 9, one of the earlier Underwater Demolition Teams, forerunner of the Navy Seals. He and his team served gallantly, saw heavy action in the Coral Sea and the Battle for Leyte Gulf, and prepared the beach for invasion at Lingayen. He earned the Silver Star Medal for gallantry and courage under fire. He continued service with the U.S. Navy Reserve in Topeka and eventually retired with the rank of Commander. In 1945 he married Maxine Elizabeth Marx in Emporia, Kansas. They remained devoted and much in love with each other for 65 years, raising three children. He taught Industrial Arts at Belleville High School, Kansas, coached the mens basketball team, and served as principal for three years. During the summers he attended Emporia State Teachers College and earned a Masters Degree in Educational Administration. He was then recalled to active duty for service on board ship in the Mediterranean Sea. When he returned to civilian life he worked with Firemans Fund Insurance Agency as an adjuster, then with the U.S. Civil Service Commission where he worked until retirement. Hiram enjoyed wide travel and golf in retirement, and spent many wonderful summers in Colorado at a family condominium in Winter Park. He and his wife Maxine loved skiing, fishing, golfing, and especially family activities. Hiram was a dedicated family man and was a devoted husband, father, and adoring grand-father. He and Maxine were very instrumental in the growth and development of his grand-children with whom he savored an exceptional relationship. Hiram was active with the Topeka community. He was a member of the Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies, the Arab Shrine, the Royal Order of Jesters Court #125, and the Legion of Honor. He served as Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Group, Topeka, Kansas and was President of The Reserve Officers Assoc (MOAA). He was a member of Shawnee Country Club and The First Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Maxine Marx Dickson of the home, son and daughter-in-law Drs. Richard and Susan of Tucson Arizona, son and daughter-in-law Kenneth and Susan of Murrieta California, and daughter and son-in-law Diane and Ron Mittenmeyer of Olathe, Kansas. He is also survived by seven grand-children; Inger Dickson, Ashley Dickson Orihuela, and Erica Dickson of Arizona; Kindra Mittenmeyer of Overland Park, Kansas, and Mark Mittenmeyer living in Colombia, So. America; Major Douglas Dickson currently of Elmendorf AFB, Alaska and Kristin Dickson of Atlanta. He has six great-grand children. He is also survived by his sisters Esther Lemke, Ruth Lyddane Symmonds, Augusta Shepherd, and Naomi Snyder. He was predeceased by his father Matthew Dickson, his mother Elizabeth Davis Dickson, and older brother Thomas Dickson. Hiram lived his life with dignity and grace, a model of what we have come to respect as the Greatest Generation. He will be missed greatly by his family, not only for who he was, but also for what he represents. He always loved his God, he always loved his wife and family, and he always loved his Country. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Arab Temple Childrens Transportation Fund at 1305 S. Kansas Ave, Topeka, 66612-1332. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. Interment will follow at Reading Cemetery, Reading, KS. Hiram will lie in state after 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at the funeral home. Friends may greet the family from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. Hiram B. Dickson