Fred Clifford Dirickson Jr.

Fred Clifford Dirickson, Jr., age 92, of Puxico, MO, died Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Prairie View Skilled Nursing in Bloomfield, MO. Mr. Dirickson was born June 13, 1932 in Blodgett, MO, son of the late Fred Clifford Sr and Jewel Edna Dirickson (neé Short).
He lived most of his life in Southeast Missouri. Fred served in the United States Air Force from 1952 until 1956 as a ground radio operator and continued to serve in the United States Air Force Reserves until 1960. He was a member of the Puxico Church of Christ. He drove over the road for Ranger-Landstar for 20 years before retiring to his farm in Puxico. Along with farming, he custom baled hay, raised cattle and hogs, and was an avid hunter. He was a member of the Coon Hunters Association and the Mingo Saddle Club. He was also an honorary member of the Puxico Future Farmers of America.
On July 4, 1953 Fred married the love of his life, Barbara Jane Cruse in Qulin, MO. They celebrated over 70 years of marriage before her passing on June 25, 2024. He is survived by five daughters: Stephanie (Darrell) Mortland of Hardin, IL, Reneé (Ronnie) Stuart of Wappapello, MO, Tammy (Kent) Blocker of Oran, MO, Tracey Dirickson of Puxico, MO, Kelli (Kerry) Acre of Poplar Bluff; eight grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; one sister: Normia Jean Parkin of Poplar Bluff; as well as his church family and a multitude of relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by two brothers: Donald Ray Dirickson and Calvin Buford Dirickson.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at White-Sanders Funeral Home in Fisk. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Vernon Curry officiating. Burial will be at Puxico Cemetery in Puxico, MO with full military honors. Condolences: www.whitesandersfuneralhome.com