Frank Dickinson Obituary

Frank Dubois Dickinson, 88, of Calhan, (Ellicott) Colorado, died Tuesday August 23, 2005 in the Parkmore Village Health Care Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born June 21, 1917 near Grandview, Texas to Felix and Elizabeth Dickinson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, J.E. Dickinson, and one sister Jewell Blair. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ronda; their children: Darol Dickinson (spouse Linda) of Barnesville, Ohio, and Vicky Pylant (spouse Joe) of Goodyear, AZ; their six grandchildren: Kirk Dickinson, Barnesville, Ohio; Chad Dickinson (spouse Stefanie), Ellicott, CO; Joel Dickinson (spouse Misty), Barnesville, OH.; Dela Lenz (spouse Steve), Ellicott, CO; Will Austin (spouse Lisette), Seattle, WA; Cary Westerbeck (spouse Julie), Bothell, WA. The ten great-grandchildren are: Nicole Lenz, Austin Lenz, Marshall Dickinson, Bry Dickinson, Kara Dickinson, Brice Dickinson, Shane Dickinson, Trista Dickinson, Zane Austin, and Lana Westerbeck. Frank married Ronda Wilshire of Burleson, TX on February 14, 1941. Frank served in the United States Army during WWII and was returned home with permanent disabilities. Frank, Ronda, Darol, and Vicky moved to Ellicott in 1955. He served as a member of Circle Drive Baptist Church since February 1956. Frank became a member of the American Quarter Horse Assn in 1953. He organized and managed the El Paso County Quarter Horse Show for 20 years. With the help of Ronda and other volunteers it became the third largest Quarter Horse Show in the state of Colorado with up to 250 entries. As a breeder of quality livestock he raised five World Champion Quarter Horses and one American Paint Horse Honor Roll Champion. His famous mare Silk Kay was Champion at the National Western in Denver, World Champion, and also won the All American Quarter Horse Congress Show. Several famous stallions bred or owned included Skips Count, AQHA Champion, Sonnys Calvin, AQHA Champion, and Silky Fox, AQHA Champion, who proceeded him in death. Frank and Ronda developed a multifaceted livestock business. They had a Grade A dairy for 36 years. Frank served on the Colorado Springs Milk Producers Association as a Director and assisted in developing and implementing the Federal Milk Order in the late 50's. Frank was a charter member and first director of Pikes Peak Coop and also a director of the El Paso County Fair and Rodeo. Visitation will be private for the immediate family. The Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 26, Circle Drive Baptist Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado with Pastor Mike Rout officiating. Graveside service and burial will follow at Memorial Gardens, at 3825 Airport Rd. Memorial contributions may be sent to Circle Drive Baptist Church, 801 N. Circle Dr., Colorado Springs, CO. 80909.