To know Roger Dickinson was to know a man who epitomized, he "never met a stranger." With a generally positive outlook on life and a warm and kind disposition, Roger easily cultivated friendships with people from all walks of life wherever he went.
Born on April 12, 1939, in Anderson, Indiana, Roger was the son of the late Richard and Miriam Dickinson. He was called home by his Lord and Savior on November 5, 2026, at the age of 87.
Roger earned his bachelor's, master's, and superintendent certificate from Ball State University in 1961, 1963, and 1967, respectively.
He dedicated much of his life to serving countless students and their families at Frankton, Osceola, Anderson Highland, Albany, Delta, and West Central schools. Throughout his tenure in education, Roger wore many hats from coach to teacher, guidance counselor to vice principal, and principal to superintendent before retiring as superintendent of West Central School Corporation in 1999.
While a proud graduate of BSU, Roger will forever be known by those who knew and loved him as a Hoo-Hoo-Hoo-Hoosier at heart. He was a devoted IU basketball fan and loved the game, which is why it came as no surprise when he accepted the executive director position at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame following his initial retirement. After holding that position for ten years, Roger retired for a second time in 2009.
Roger was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades for his dedication and faithful service. Over the course of a working career that spanned more than four decades, Roger received the St. Vincent Silver Medal Award, was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame (Class of 2007), named District 1 Superintendent of the Year, and was presented with the Bell Ringers Award by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction…to name a few.
During his retirement, Roger enjoyed becoming a snow-bird before eventually relocating to Englewood, Florida, where he continued volunteering with Kairos Prison Ministry after serving with their Indiana chapter. He was an avid card game player and golfer, who enjoyed teaching his family new card games - albeit with a little friendly, family competition - and spending time on the green with his wife and friends.
Roger was a man of faith and a devout Christian who was unafraid to share the Gospel and what Jesus had done for him. Throughout his life, he was very active in the church – where he served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, response team member, youth group leader, and as a member of the Gideon’s. More than anything, he would want for anyone reading this to take away that now is the time to know Jesus and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. For this legacy and his example, his loved ones and those he impacted will be forever grateful.
Surviving are his wife, Renee Dickinson; three children, Rana (Jeff) Rodeffer, Rae (Chad) French, and Ryan (Natalie) Dickinson; six grandchildren, Peyton Rodeffer, Whitney (Andrew) VanKlaveren, Emily (Patrick) Armstrong, and Sophie, Luke and Audrey Dickinson; three great-grandchildren, Ruthie and Rawlings VanKlaveren and Van Armstrong; two stepsons, Kyle (Stacey) and Tate (Kathleen) Hooker; and brother, Ron (Shirley) Dickinson.
Roger was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his three children, Leanna Cain Dickinson; his parents; son-in-law, Brian Boehning; and stepson, Seth Hooker.
A beloved husband, father, Pap, PapPap, brother, and friend, he will always be loved and incredibly missed. Yet knowing his unwavering faith, his loved ones celebrate his gain and victory in Jesus until the day they meet again.
Victory celebrations in memory of Roger will be held in both Indiana and Florida.
For those in Florida:
Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 6:30 pm at New Day Christian Church (20212 Peachland Blvd. Port Charlotte, FL 33954).
For those in Indiana:
A Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Francesville First Christian Church (192 E. Lyman St. Francesville, IN 47946).
Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 pm at the church Saturday.
Burial will take place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville under the direction of Frain Mortuary.
