Howard Lee Dick

Howard Lee Dick, 86, of Bunceton passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at the Tipton Oak Manor after a prolonged illness. He was 2nd of 5 children born to Herman and Elva (Whittaker) Dick near Bunceton, Missouri.

Upon his graduation from Bunceton High School, Howard began his 6-decade farming career. His diversified farm raised wheat, corn, soybeans, milo, hogs and cattle. For over thirty years, he partnered with younger brother Jerry in running and expanding family farm until Jerry’s sudden death in 1998.

He loved to dance, meeting both of his wives at local dances. After a 10-year courtship, he married Frances Marie on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1965. They were the parents of 2 sons, Gerald Wayne and Mark Lee. Frances passed away May 5, 1996. Gerald followed in his father’s footsteps running the family cattle business. Later, Howard married Jean Berry of Sedalia on November 10, 2003 spending semi-retirement gardening, learning golf, and travelling to visit his son in the Navy. Jean passed away January 21, 2015.

Howard was former church council president and active member of the St. Johns United Church of Christ, member of the 1st Christian Church in Sedalia, Boonville Rod and Gun Club member, Sedalia Country Club member, and Missouri Cattleman’s Association member. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He also enjoyed a good joke, boating on the Lake of the Ozarks, and tinkering in the garden. He read the entire Kansas City Star newspaper daily and weekly news magazines loving to discuss politics. He loved country music and could frequently be heard humming or singing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wives Frances and Jean, and brothers Paul and Jerry Dick.

Howard is survived by his sons, Gerald Dick and his wife Elizabeth Barkey of Bunceton; Dr. Mark Dick and his husband Mario Benavides of North Hampton, New Hampshire; step-sons John S. Berry and his wife Jenelle of Sedalia and Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Berry of Clinton; brother Donald Dick and his wife Dorothy of Mexico, Missouri; sister Betty George and her husband J.R. of Jamestown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Howard Lee Dick will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 13, 2017 at St. Johns United Church of Christ, Billingsville with burial immediately following in the St. Johns UCC Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Friday May 12, 2017 at Meisenheimer Funeral Home in Tipton.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Johns United Church of Christ stain glass window repair fund or the 1st Christian Church of Sedalia.

Online condolences may be submitted at www.meisenheimerfuneralhome.com.