Cover photo for Kenneth Molton Dickson's Obituary
Kenneth Molton Dickson Profile Photo

Kenneth Molton Dickson

d. August 13, 2019

Kenneth Molton Dickson

Rev. Dr. Kenneth Molton Dickson died on August 13, 2019 in Long Beach, Mississippi. He was born in Corsicana Texas, on May 7, 1934 to Molton and Willie Bob Dickson. Upon graduating from Corsicana High School, Kenneth attended Southern Methodist University where he was a proud member of the S.M.U. Mustang Band. Following his graduation in 1956, Ken attended Perkins School of Theology at S.M.U., receiving a Bachelor’s of Divinity degree and was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church. He was appointed to Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, where he would minister for 43 years. He also earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Perkins in Pastoral care and Counseling. Rev. Dickson’s titles in ministry included Senior Associate Pastor and Director of Pastoral Care at HPUMC, chaplain in the Texas National Guard, adjunct Professor at Perkins, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Marriage and Family Therapist and first ever chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys. However, his greatest ministerial achievements consisted of his extensive pastoral work. Ken provided pastoral support and guidance for thousands, regardless of their need or circumstances, from impoverished persons and families to prominent industry, civic and national leaders. In addition to daily hospital visits totaling well over 10,000, Ken was best known for helping families journey through the loss of loved ones and was particularly gifted in presiding over hundreds of funerals and memorial services yearly over his 43 years of ministry. Working with gifted and dedicated HPUMC members Dr. Ken and Mrs. Lila Foree and Dr. Otto Wilbanks, Ken worked to establish Highland Park United Methodist Church’s eye hospital in Petit Goave, Haiti in 1976. The mission continues to provide desperately needed eye health care to the people of Haiti. Ken’s greatest passion was enjoying life with his beloved Mary Jane, his children and especially his grandchildren. His marriage of over 62 adoring years has offered inspiration and witness to the power of faith, love and commitment to countless friends, family and strangers. Besides his wife and family, Ken was a stalwart fan and supporter of SMU, especially SMU football and The Mustang Band, a lifelong student of the Psalms, history and the neurological underpinnings of mind and spirit and a classic car buff. Dr. Dickson was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Ralph Dickson of Waco. Ken is survived by his loving wife Dr. Mary Jane Ramsey Dickson, daughter Rev. Dr. Dorothy Dickson Rishel and her husband Rev. Rod Dickson Rishel of Long Beach, and son Rev. Kenny Dickson and his wife Michelle of Plano, Texas. In addition, Daddy Ken was the quintessential and cherished grandfather to grandchildren Savannah and Emma Rishel , Andrew and Madeleine Dickson and chosen family Kathy, Tommy and Zennie Moulton; Kyle Gibson; Joe, Millie, Bryan and Mark Sessions; and Anne, John, Joanne and David Willdridge. He was loving Uncle Kenneth to Diane Shelton, Pat Riddlehuber, and Peggy Pierce and their families. Visitation will be held at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, Friday, August 16 from 5 to 7 PM with interment service at Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday, August 17 at 10 AM followed by a Celebration of Life worship service at his home church First UMC, Gulfport at 11 AM. Memorial services will also be held at Highland Park United Methodist Church sanctuary in Dallas, Texas on September 6 at 10 AM. The family prefers memorials to First United Methodist Church, 2301 15th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501 or Haiti Missions, C/O Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com
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Past Services

Visitation

Friday, August 16, 2019

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home - 15th Street

1726 15th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501

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Celebration of Life

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Starts at 11:00 am

First United Methodist Church of Gulfport

2301 15th St., Gulfport, MS 39501

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Cemetery

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Gulfport

59 Wayside Rd, Stuart, VA 24171

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