Edward A. Dickendasher

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we share the passing of Edward Alden Dickendasher of Napoleon, Ohio, who left us on July 1, 2025, at the age of 70. Ed passed peacefully in hospice care, surrounded by his devoted family, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.
Ed was born on May 30, 1955, in Columbus, Ohio, to Dinese Joan (Bale) Dickendasher and John Edward Dickendasher. He was the second oldest of six children and the oldest son in the family, a role he embraced with strength and responsibility from an early age.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Edward Dickendasher and Dinese Joan (Bale) Dickendasher, his brother Matthew Lewis Dickendasher, and his brother-in-law, Jim Amross.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura (Jacobs) Dickendasher, his teenage sweetheart whom he married on November 22, 1975. Ed and Laura met while working together as teenagers at McDonald's - a chance meeting that led to a lifetime of love, laughter, and partnership. Their bond spanned nearly five decades and was built on deep affection, friendship, and unwavering devotion.
Together they raised three daughters - Emily Dawn Dickendasher of Wauseon, Ohio; Natalie Marlaine Dickendasher of Atwater, Ohio; and Heidi Erin (Kraig Meyer) Dickendasher of Monroe City, Missouri - to whom he passed down not only his wisdom and values, but his practical skills and signature sense of humor. He taught them how to fix things, how to take pride in their work, and how to face life with strength and kindness.
Ed was a man of many passions - fishing, boating, biking, camping, fitness, and anything that brought him into nature. He loved music, movies, a competitive game of Farkle, and had a sharp mind for math. He loved animals, especially his two cherished dogs, Pandora and Riley. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found peace and joy in the simplicity of a good cast, a long bike ride, or a quiet moment under the stars.
A true do-it-yourselfer, Ed could fix absolutely anything. He took meticulous care of everything he owned - vehicles, homes, tools, and his picture-perfect lawn - always taking pride in the things he worked hard to build and maintain. He generously passed those skills on to his daughters, encouraging independence, resourcefulness, and respect for a job well done.
Ed worked for many years as a diesel mechanic and later as a regional maintenance manager for Bulkmatic Transport, and diesel technician for Penske prior to retirement. He took immense pride in his work and was respected by colleagues for his deep knowledge, leadership, and dedication. His career reflected the same values he lived by every day - responsibility, precision, and pride in a job well done.
He also had a passion for grilling, was a master of pancake breakfasts, and brought joy to every gathering with his quick wit and incredible sense of humor. He was loving, kind, and accepting of all people.
To some, he was affectionately known as "Rocky" - a nickname earned not only for his resemblance to Sylvester Stallone, but for his strength, resilience, and steadfast spirit. He was the one who always said, "I'll be there" - and always meant it.
Above all, Ed was a devoted husband, father, and "Papa" to his treasured grandchildren:
Alden Edward (Kaylin) Leininger of Toledo, Ohio; Dane Eric Leininger of Wauseon, Ohio; and Jules Lewis Dickendasher of Atwater, Ohio - lovingly known to him as the "grandrascals." He poured his heart into them - building, teaching, cheering, and loving with every ounce of who he was. His legacy lives on in their laughter, strength, curiosity, and determination.
Ed is also survived by his great-grandchild (soon-to-be) baby girl Leininger, as well as his sisters:
Lynne Dickendasher, Susan Dickendasher, and Lisa (Mark) Dickendasher-Baker - all of Temperance, Michigan; Margaret Dickendasher-Amross of Ottawa Lake, Michigan; his sister-in-law, Elaine Dickendasher of Sylvania, Ohio; many beloved nieces and nephews, and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
A celebration of Ed's life will be held on, Friday, August 8, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thompson Stone Hall, Otsego Park, 20000 West River Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402. All who knew and loved Ed are warmly invited to join us in honoring his memory. More details will be announced closer to the date.
Our family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the close friends and family who supported us during Ed's illness and final days. Your love, strength, visits, meals, kind words, and unwavering presence brought light and comfort when we needed it most. We are forever grateful for the compassion and care you shared so generously. As we navigate life without Ed, we are deeply thankful knowing we can continue to count on your friendship, encouragement, and presence in the days ahead.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Bridge Hospice and the dedicated medical team who helped guide Ed and our family through this journey with kindness and professionalism.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider honoring Ed's memory in one of the following ways:
• A donation to Bridge Hospice of Findlay, Ohio
• A gift to the Henry County Humane Society of Napoleon, Ohio
• A contribution to the Lenawee Humane Society of Adrian, Michigan
• Or, simply by planting a tree in his honor or spending time in nature with your family while thinking of Ed, doing the things he loved most.
His strength, love, and laughter will echo in every life he touched. Though he may be gone from our sight, his steady, brave, and generous spirit will remain forever in our hearts.
Rest easy, Sweetheart. Rest easy, Dad. Rest easy, Papa.
We'll carry your light - and your legacy - with us always.