Edward "Ned" Dickson

Edward P “Ned” Dickson, 104 , died peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2014. The Lord opened his arms and took Ned to join his sweet wife, Martha. Ned was the second son born on February 28, 1910 to Edward P Dickson, Jr. and Marie Louise Clement Dickson in St. Louis, Missouri. Ned was predeceased by his older brother Scott Clement Dickson. Ned is survived by his son, Gary, daughter-in-law, Ramona, of Hurricane, WV and grandson, Tyler, of NYC, NY. There was always an extra pride in his voice when he spoke of his grandson. Martha and Ned retired to Lake Placid, Florida in 1972 and enjoyed 42 years in the sun, golfing, fishing, camping, beachcombing, and traveling. In 2012 Martha needed tender care so they returned to West Virginia and made their home with Gary and wife, Ramona. Martha passed in April, 2012. Ned never recovered from the heartbreak of losing his wife of 76 years. Martha and Ned were recognized by the Worldwide Marriage Encounter for being the longest married couple in Florida and this honor was recorded in the U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Record. Three kisses were their signature of love when leaving or returning to each other. Their demonstration of adoration was a joy to behold. Following High School in Kirkwood, Missouri and studying engineering in college at Washington University in St. Louis, Ned worked his way to Spain on a “mule” ship and finished the summer traveling across Europe with friends. Upon his return to the States he worked on a dredging operation in New Orleans. On a New Year’s Eve blind date he met Martha and they danced the night away. So began their devotion and adventure. Martha graduated as a registered nurse and married Ned on July 10, 1936. They moved to Beloit, Wisconsin where Ned designed diesel engines for Bush Seltzer and Fairbanks Morris. Moving to Huntington, WV, Ned continued his love of engineering by entering sales of stationary generators to the southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky coal fields. These generators replaced mules in the coal mines and electrified the coal industry. He went to work for a Huntington, West Virginia company, Ensign Electric, where he designed and sold underground high and low voltage power centers for the coal industry in Eastern West Virginia. In the midst of employment the United States entered World War II. Ned enlisted in the Navy and spent one year in the Norfolk, VA shipyards building a mock up landing craft. Due to his extensive knowledge, Ned engineered the inclusion of diesel engines in these landing craft. He served on the USS Threat and was one of the first to land in Kobe Harbor, Okinawa, Japan. He and Martha built a home and raised their son in Scott Depot, WV where Ned retired from Ensign Electric. Ned and Martha received congratulatory letters on their 70th wedding anniversary from Presidents’ Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, George H Bush, George W Bush, First Lady Nancy Reagan, Senators Jay Rockefeller and Robert C Byrd, and Governor Joe Manchin and Governor Jeb Bush. Senator Shelly Capito, then Congresswoman, had a flag flown over the Nation’s Capital on Martha’s birthday for Ned. Ned was an acclaimed artist. His paintings and sketches grace businesses, Churches and homes across the nation. Ned was to have placed the first ornament on the Veterans Christmas Tree at Governor Tomblin’s recognition of Veterans on November 24. Breaking his hip on November 20 prevented him this privilege. However, Governor Tomblin honored Ned with a phone call during which they talked of trout fishing on the West Virginia Cranberry and Cherry Rivers. Governor Tomblin honored Ned once again, by having a flag flown over the West Virginia State Capitol on Veterans Day. When asked to what he attributed his long life, Ned would respond “my faith, my family, and my love of this great country”. Ned was a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Hurricane, WV, Teays Valley Presbyterian Church in Scott Depot, WV, and most recently First Presbyterian Church, Lake Placid, FL. He served the Lord faithfully through prayer, as Deacon or Elder, on numerous committees, and charity. He was a Mason and a member of the Order of the Elks. The family thanks Dr. Enrique C. Sta Ana and his staff for their care of our loved one. The Angels at Broadmore Assisted Living will always have a special place in our hearts for their outstanding care and love. A very tender thank you to Ned’s favorites, Laura Spangler and Carol Cavender. Pastor Ray Cameron continued his guidance and friendship to Ned, for which we are eternally grateful. A special thank you to Martha’s four nieces and Ned’s loyal friend, “Rex”, that were constant in their love and friendship. A memorial service will be held at a time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 118 N Oak Avenue, Lake Placid, FL. 33852

Edward "Ned" Dickson

February 28, 1910 - December 21, 2014