Lt. Col. I. Wayne Dickerson

Lt. Col. Wayne Dickerson (USAF, Ret.), 84, of Yorktown, Virginia, took his final flight on January 23, 2026, just weeks before his 85th birthday. A decorated pilot, a devoted husband, and a proud father, Wayne lived a life defined by service, grit, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.

Born in St. Louis and raised in the small town of Hayti, Missouri, Wayne came from humble beginnings. He was the son of the late Clifford and Juanita (Baird) Dickerson. He learned the value of hard work early, delivering newspapers as a young boy to help support his family, a work ethic that would eventually carry him to graduate from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and into a distinguished 26-year career in the United States Air Force.

As a pilot and budget officer, he served his country with honor, flying missions in Vietnam and piloting aircraft including the C-141, the Caribou, and the B-52. His bravery and skill earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Presidential Unit Citation. His service took his family across the globe, creating homes in England, Greece, Texas, Alabama, California, and finally, Virginia.

But for all his military accolades, Wayne's greatest legacy was his heart. He met the love of his life, Maria, in San Antonio, Texas. Their love story spanned continents and decades. They were married for 61 years, a milestone celebrated in spirit this February 6th.

Wayne was a man of sharp intellect and deep thoughtfulness. He was a reader who loved history and the daily newspaper, and famously sent annual Consumer Reports subscriptions to his children to ensure they made smart decisions. He was fiscally responsible, very curious, and a known jokester who loved to make people laugh. He was always ready to exchange a joke with friends, family, or anyone he met, bringing joy to every room he entered.

In retirement, he never stopped serving. He was an active member of his neighborhood Homeowners Association, Treasurer of the Lake owners association and a volunteer at the Virginia Living Museum, where he delighted in running the touch tank. He was an enthusiastic guardian to those around him, driving the elderly to medical appointments and sitting with veterans suffering from dementia to help them recall their own missions.

Above all, Wayne cherished his role as a grandfather. He loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren, taking them to parks, museums, and games. Whether he was serving as a "Grandpa Uber", cheering them on at a performance or simply dropping off sweets, he was a constant, loving presence in their lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Tina Dickerson, "Red" Dickerson, Richard Dickerson, Bruce Dickerson, and Rita Shalton.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Maria Dickerson; his three children: Michelle O'Neil (Peter), Mark Dickerson (Becky), and Monica Chandler (Jason). He leaves behind a legacy of nine grandchildren who adored him: Marisa, Maddy, Megan, Kyle, Gabriel, Jacob, Mason, Marian, and Molly; as well as six great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 6th, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Yorktown, Virginia. The service will include a funeral Mass and military honors. All friends and family are welcome to attend and celebrate Wayne's remarkable journey.