Elmer Adair Dickson

1931 - 2023

Elmer Adair Dickson
March 13, 1931 - December 28, 2022
Bradenton, Florida - Reverend Elmer Adair Dickson, age 91, of Bradenton, FL, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2022.
Born March 13, 1931, in Berwyn, IL, he was the only child of the late Elmer and Ethel (Maxted) Dickson.
Elmer pursued an education in theology, earning bachelor's degrees from Illinois Wesleyan University and Drew University, and a master's degree from Scarritt College. His ongoing quest for learning spanned decades through coursework at universities in Scotland, Oxford, Israel, Australia, and across the States.
In 1955, Elmer fell in love with Jean, and their 61-year marriage was devoted to a life of faith and service.
They lived in the Chicagoland area before relocating to Florida in 1991, where they were blessed to spend many enjoyable years among their Westminster Manor family in Bradenton.
As a United Methodist pastor, Elmer ministered with a gentle, giving, and kind approach, continuing throughout retirement via United Methodist Volunteers in Mission global projects, Habitat for Humanity volunteerism, and serving his local community.
Elmer was a great storyteller, always eager to relate his latest adventures, as well as an accomplished writer, with numerous devotions appearing in The Upper Room.
He loved aviation, and felt that earning his instrument rating was among his greatest achievements. Whether chauffeuring family and friends across the country in single-engine planes, traveling the world on commercial jetliners, or serving as a chaplain and pilot in command with the Sarasota Civil Air Patrol, flying remained a constant throughout his life.
Through Elmer's career with the United Methodist Church, foster parenting, civil rights activism, countless volunteer efforts, and as a beloved husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend, he truly was the best example of living one's faith in service to the greater good.
In addition to his parents, Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Jean (Benninghoff) Dickson (2016); and his daughter-in-law, Rhonda (Roberts) Dickson (2021).
Elmer is survived by children; Beth Boerema (Charles) of Rochelle, IL, Paul Dickson (Kelly) of Charlotte, NC and John Dickson of Marion, IL; grandchildren; Robert Boerema of Mount Morris, IL, Brittany Willis (Ian), Austin Dickson (Hailee) and Bailey Dickson, all of Marion, IL; and great-grandchildren; Eliana and Levi Willis of Marion, IL.
The family is forever grateful for the love, support and companionship of close friend Verna Jack, who shared in Elmer's adventures the last few years.
A private family memorial service will be planned for next year at Oakridge Cemetery, Hillside, IL.
For anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Elmer's memory, please consider Habitat for Humanity habitat.org" target="_new" rel="nofollow">habitat.org, Heifer International heifer.org, and UMCOR umcor.org.