Joseph Dickinson

JOSEPH DICKINSON Joseph Dickinson joined his heavenly Father on September 13, 2012 leaving a large loving family behind. Born in Detroit on November 28, 1925, his parents were Earl and Blanche Dickinson. He had one brother, the late Tommy Spring and one sister, Nancy Dobson. He grew up loving sailing on Lake Huron. On March 15, 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served with the 99TH Infantry Division during World War II. He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He returned home and married the love of his life, Darlene Sekcinski, on June 2, 1951. There were 4 sons and one daughter as a result of this union. He is survived by his wife Darlene, sons Dennis (Sheri), Randolph (Linda), Robert (Carolyn), Jeffrey and daughter Darlene (Steve) Baker. Joseph had 9 grandchildren; Sean (Melissa) Dickinson and Nicole (Edward) Balzer, Natalie and Ashley Dickinson, Andrew and Joseph Dickinson, Sarah and Alexandra Baker and Alexis Dickinson. Joseph was blessed with 4 great grandchildren: Michael and Jamison Dickinson and Edward and Olivia Balzer. Joseph loved jazz music. He played clarinet, tenor saxophone, and alto saxophone in a dance band called Starlight. He was also a Bugler in the Army and hated being the 1st one up in the morning. Joseph served during the Korean War receiving a second Purple Heart. He served in the Army Air Corps at Randolph Field before it was the Air Force. He further served in the U.S. Army Reserve for a total of 38 plus years of service to his Country. He enjoyed sailing with his family and owned several sailboats over the years. He anxiously awaited his sailing magazines in the mail although he claimed the mailman had read them first. The highlight of his sailing career was when Joseph got to crew the Stars and Stripes. Joseph worked for Spartan Stores as a driver. He volunteered for over 20 years for Michigan Special Olympics. He loved to travel in Dennis's RV and made trips all over the country to see his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. His last big trip was in 2011 when Darlene, Jeffrey, Dennis and Sheri accompanied him to the last 99th Division Reunion in Kansas City, MO. Less than 100 World War II survivors had a final toast together. For the past 2 years, Joseph's health declined but his family lovingly and tenderly cared for his needs. The family wishes to thank Compassionate Care Hospice and all the caretakers, especially Ann. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 pm until 8 pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth. A funeral mass will be said on Monday at 11 am at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 Haggerty Road, Plymouth with Father Thomas Belczak officiating. Interment will full military honors will be conducted at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly on Tuesday, 1 pm. A Knight's of Columbus Rosary will be held on Sunday at 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, Compassionate Care Hospice or the Republican National Committee.