John R. Dickey

John Richard Dickey, 76, was born on Thursday, March 3, 1949. He passed at home Monday, February 23, 2026 surrounded by his family just six days shy of his birthday.

He was the third child of Everett Vaughn and Alice Elizabeth Dickey, one of eventually eight children raised on small farms in Clayton and then Plainfield, Indiana. During his childhood, John became fascinated with John Deere tractors, a characteristic that would follow him throughout his life.

John married Linda Dorene Harris from Sparta, Ohio on August 28, 1971. The couple would start their married life in Danville, Indiana, where they welcomed Chad Richard in March 1972. Their daughter, Christa, arrived in October 1974. The family was made complete with the arrival of Cory in June of 1977.

By then, the family had moved to central Ohio so that John could live out his dream of farming. The family of five returned to Indiana a few years later with John’s return to the hospital. He worked there for the next 42 years, including terms as director at Clarion Health Carmel and Clarion West Hospital, now both in the I.U. Health system.

One of the highlights of John’s career started in 1984, when the then Baltimore Colts famously moved in the middle of the night to Indianapolis. The Methodist Hospital system was selected for their medical team, and John was able to be the game day radiology technician. His work with the Indianapolis Colts advanced to managing the medical operations of the NFL Scouting Combine for approximately 30 years.

John found peace on a tractor and loved to spend his time mowing and splitting wood. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic and love of the outdoors. His boys will remember fishing trips with their dad in Canada. His daughter will remember countless conversations encouraging pursuit of career and family.

John is preceded in death by his father Everett, mother Betty, brother Alan and grandson Gabriel Stuart Dickey. He is survived by wife, Linda and children Chad, Christa Dickey Honea and Cory Stuart Dickey (Bobbi Jo). Surviving grandchildren include Alyssa Marie Dickey, Houston Gunner Dickey, Logan Maverick Dickey, Emerson Grace Honea and Camden (Isaiah) Dickey. He is also survived by brothers Bob (Charlotte), Bill and Tim (Terri) ;sisters Carole Jane (Woody), Ann, and Susan; and sister-in-law Terri Dickey.

John was a member of the Plainfield church of Christ.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home beginning at 6:00 p.m., where family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until time of services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s name to one of the following:

Indiana University School of Medicine

RADIOLOGY AND IMAGING SCIENCES

https://medicine.iu.edu/radiology/giving

Future Farmers of America

https://ffa.givenow.stratuslive.com/ffadonate

John was a lifelong advocate for health care. He would encourage colorectal cancer screenings, in light of recent studies that show dramatic increases in prevalence among younger adults.