MOLLUSK—Curtis L. “Curt” Dickinson, 85, of Florida, formerly of Mollusk, passed away June 22, 2020.
He was born to Harold Knight Dickinson and Leota Kathryn Wiese on July 18, 1934, in Spencer, Iowa. There he attended school through high school, graduating in 1952.
He married Frances Irene Mohr on October 6, 1957, at Sioux City, Iowa. Together they had four children, John Curtis, James David, Jerome Fred and Joel Lee Dickinson; and three grandchildren, Kurtis William Dickinson, Jacob Lee Dickinson and Joshua William Harris; and one great-grandson, Loki Dickinson.
His higher education involved a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Iowa State College, a master’s in telecommunications from the University of Colorado, and a diploma from the National War College/Defense University. He spent his professional career in the U.S. Army serving first as enlisted where, as a “radio propagation’s specialist,” he participated in the International Geophysical Year of 1957-8 by collecting ionospheric data on a floating iceberg in the Arctic Ocean, participated in trials for atomic events testing, and taught at the Army Signal School. Upon completing college, he took a commission in the Army Signal Corps where he served until retirement in 1986. His duty assignments included overseas tours in Panama (company commander), Vietnam twice (RVN battalion advisor and brigade signal officer-101st Airborne), and Korea (signal brigade commander 2nd Infantry Division) plus stateside tours with the Army Staff, the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the White House Communications Agency where he served both as plans officer and trip officer providing new equipment and travel packages for presidential travel. He completed his career as a full colonel while serving as deputy commander and assistant program manager for the Army’s signal procurement agency. His awards/decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Presidential Service Badge and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Following retirement, Curt moved to the Northern Neck and settled in Mollusk. There he built his own home and then became active in several veteran related organizations. He served The American Legion as Post 86 commander, 12th District commander, and Virginia’s Department vice commander, and on several committees. He also served 17 years with the Legion’s Boys State Program, the first 10 as a city councilor and then as assistant to the director, finally being inducted into the Boys State Hall of Fame.
Curt also chaired the County War Memorial Committee that provided a six sided obelisk honoring the county’s heroic war dead and recognizing all who served, to include those in the Merchant Marine. It resides in front of the old Lancaster County Courthouse. He also held several offices in The Retired Officers Association/Military Officers Association of America and participated in the local Sons of the American Revolution.
In his later years, Curt wintered in Florida near Orlando, enjoying motorcycling and SCUBA diving, and was instrumental in establishing a special NAUI certification for “Grumpy Old Divers.”
A funeral service was held 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, at Currie Funeral Home, Kilmarnock. Interment followed the service at Historic Christ Church Burying Grounds, Weems. Family received friends from 4-6 p.m. Monday, June 29, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Adams Post 86, The American Legion, P. O. Box 1982, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
