Gene Dirickson

SIKESTON - Wilbur Gene Dirickson, 69, died at 7 a.m. March 28, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Born March 25, 1933, in Scott County, son of the late Claude and Wilma Madden Dirickson, he had been employed by Sikeston Wood Truss as a truck driver and also was a licensed auctioneer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having earned the rank of sergeant, and served during the Korean Conflict. He was of the Baptist belief.

On Nov. 13, 1955, at Morley, he married Wanda Ford who survives of the home.

Other survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Candy Dirickson of Sikeston; one daughter, Donna Jean Dirickson of Sikeston; two sisters, Claudette Learue of Sikeston and Betty Winfield of Florida; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one infant son, Wilbur Gene Dirickson Jr.; and two brothers, Lloyd Dirickson and Dickie Dirickson.

Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. today at Blanchard Funeral Chapel where a joint service for he and his son will be at 1 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Dwayne Coleman, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Canalou, and Steve Vester, pastor of the Old Baptist Church, officiating. He will be assisted by Steve Vester, pastor of the Old Bethel Baptist Church in Sikeston.

Burial will follow in the New Morley Cemetery in Morley.

Pallbearers will be: John Canedy, Richard Riley, Greg Evans, Kenny Plunk, Dale Holt and Danny Ray.