Raymond E. Dickinson

Raymond E. Dickinson

Keota

Raymond E. Dickinson, 100, of Keota, IA passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at his home. Funeral services honoring his life were held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Woolson Friends Church near Richland with Pastor Larry Smith and Pastor Jerry Hoover officiating. Burial will be in the Friends Cemetery in Richland immediately following the service. A visitation was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church and lasted until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Raymond's honor may be directed to the Richland Friends Cemetery. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Raymond Earl Dickinson was born on the family farm near Clay Cemetery, Keokuk County, IA on August 19, 1925, to Earl and Carrie Seaton Dickinson. He attended country school before graduating with the Richland High School Class of 1943. Shortly after graduation Raymond joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country during World War II. He spent three years in dedication to his country before his honorable discharge in March of 1946. After returning home he was united in marriage to Marian Hotle and together they became the proud parents of two children, Michael and Beverly. The two spent over 58 years together until Marian’s passing in 2005.

Raymond was a lifelong farmer as well as working as an auctioneer. He also spent time in agriculture sales with Farm Service and was a delivery driver for Kesler Distributing. Raymonds life was deeply rooted in his faith. He was a part of Friends Church in Hopewell, Richland, and eventually Woolson where he served faithfully. He also spent many years on the Richland Friends Cemetery Board. Raymond enjoyed memories of milking cows growing up and even after returning from the Navy. He had Standardbred horses for a few years and fed out Holstein steers. He often found treasures in antiques and had a collection of decorative glass.

In September of 2016, Raymond was united in marriage to Mary Leeper Walker. The two moved to Keota, IA and would remain by each other’s side for the remainder of his life. Raymond spent over a century making an impact on the world around him. He will be deeply missed by his family, his community, and the many friends he made along the way.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marian, two sisters, and his daughter, Beverly.

Left to honor his memory are his loving wife, Mary Dickinson of Keota, IA; his son, Mike (Linda) Bott of Sommers, IA; son-in-law, Larry (Diana) Smith of Birmingham, IA; three stepchildren, Cindy (Gary) Blumier, Kerry (Joe) Hadley, and Randy (Maria) Walker; five grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren and 17 step great grandchildren, as well as many extended family and friends.