Obituary of Col. Dick

Col. Donald Emery Dick, U.S. Army (Retired) Colonel Donald Emery Dick, 68, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 23, 2011. Don was born on October 17, 1942 in Niagara Falls, NY, to Emery H. and Mary Louise Dick. Don graduated from DeVeaux High School, earned a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University and two masters' degrees from Georgia Tech & Virginia State University. In addition to his wife of 46 years, Carol (Pifer) Dick, he leaves 4 children, Robert (April) Dick, Paul (Amy Malach) Dick, Laurie (Scott) Podmilsak and Susan (William) Edmunds; 8 grandchildren, Jacob, Troy, Alexa and Zachary Podmilsak, Katelyn & Brandon Edmunds and Shannon & Rachel Malach, and sister-in-law, Betty Dick. He was preceded in death by his brother, William C. Dick. "Papa", as the grandchildren call him, enjoyed the beach, boating, camping, traveling, sports, current events, education, and especially, family gatherings. A highly decorated combat veteran, Don rose to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army with over 28 years of military service. Don used his leadership skills and joy for teaching to establish and command the JROTC Program at Petersburg H.S., WV for 6 years after his active duty retirement. He was a strong advocate for students looking to further their education or military experience. "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have completed your mission. Come and share in your Master's happiness." Family will receive friends Monday, September 26, 2011from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:30 AM at Christian Fellowship Church in Ashburn, Virginia, Burial with full military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, January 5, 2012. Attendees should report to the Admin. Building at 10:30 AM. Those who wish to make contributions in memory of Don may do so at the following: VFW National Home for Children (3573 South Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827) or the Benevolence Fund at Christian Fellowship Church (21673 Beaumeade Circle, Ashburn, VA 20147).