Dickie Person

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Dickie Lee Person of George West, went to be with his Lord on May 6, 2017. Dickie was surrounded by his family.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Kimberly Elizabeth, his parents, Lester Rose and Rachel (Johnson) Person, twin sisters and brother-in-law, Wanda Bednorz and Weta and Jimmy Denton, and his brother and sister-in-law, James Lester and Marie Person.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Violet (Hessel); a daughter and son-in-law, Melanie and Patrick Walsh of Frisco, Texas; a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Nancy Person of Montgomery, Texas; five granddaughters whom he loved beyond measure: Kimberly Dawn, Bethany Marie, and Jessica Noel Person and Abigail Nicole and Katherine Haley Walsh. Dickie is also survived by sister, Evelyn Brown of Mexia, Texas; one sister-in-law, Dorothy (Thomas) Federwisch of Temple, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dickie was born in Mexia, Texas, the youngest of five, on December 13, 1941. After attending Mexia schools, he was employed by Atlantic Richfield Oil Company working in several Texas and Louisiana locations. He transferred to George West in 1969 and continued to work in the area until his retirement from ARCO in 1994. After his retirement, he continued to work in the oilfield in the south Texas area. Dickie was very proud of his profession. But, even more, he relished in the lifelong friends he made through the years.

Dickie was passionate about his family, his church, our community, and its youth. Early on he became a member of the Texas Association of Football Officials. He served as President of the George West Little League Association. He was a Live Oak County 4-H project leader, George West Boy Scout Troop Master, MYF leader for his church and served on several church committees including Chairman of the Administrative Board. His first love was High School football. He took pride in helping kids develop skills in playing the game and growing in sportsmanship and leadership characteristics. During the fall for over 43 years Dickie could be found most game nights on a high school football field in south Texas serving as a referee.

Most recently Dickie again showed his love for his community by running and proudly serving as Mayor of the City of George West. He cherished the friendships that took root while working to improve our community. He served for one year before having to resign due to his illness.

Dickie took comfort in knowing he was held up in prayer by his church family and so many friends as he battled cancer. His family will always be grateful for your outpouring of love and support. Special appreciation to his many doctors, nurses and caregivers.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of George West on Monday, May 8 at 2:30 p.m.. Interment with a graveside service will be at Friedens Cemetery in Riesel, Texas, on Tuesday, May 9 at 2:00 p.m..

Pallbearers are Michael Denton, Kendall Frickey, Stephen Person, Joel Trevino, Pete Ferris, and Tony Dilworth. Honorary pallbearers are the George West Emmaus group: Lamon Bennett, Rex Lewis, Henry Hardwick, Moore Matthews, Pryor Reagan, Ty Sparks, and Brent Kornegay.

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