Douglas "Doug" Myers Dickey Obituary (1944 - 2023)

Douglas "Doug" Myers Dickey, 78, of Fairfield and formerly of Packwood, IA, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023, at the Jefferson County Health Care Center. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am on Friday, February 3, 2023, at the Packwood Christian Church with Pastor Gabriel Clausen officiating. Burial will be in the Packwood Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will be held at the Packwood Christian Church on Thursday, February 2, 2023, beginning at 2:00 pm with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions in Doug's honor may be directed to the Packwood Christian Church or the Packwood Fire & First Responders or mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Douglas Myers Dickey was born on June 4, 1944, in Fairfield, IA, the eldest child of Harold and Caroline Myers Dickey. This was the beginning of his love for the town and people of Packwood, IA. Doug graduated in 1962 with the first class of the newly consolidated Pekin High School. He was proud to say that he scored the first touchdown for Pekin. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country until his honorable discharge in March 1966. He returned home and furthered his education over roughly 12 days at both the University of Iowa and Purdue before returning to where his heart had always been, Packwood and trucking. Doug married Janet McIntire, and together they became the loving parents of two daughters: Amy and Amber. They remained by each other's side until Janet's death in 1996. Doug found comfort during a difficult time in his family and his work. He understood the value of hard work, leading by example, and a firm handshake. He put this philosophy into his work at Dickey Transport. In the time before cell phones, Doug would answer the work phone 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. He always knew where his drivers and trucks were at any given moment. Often the drivers' first point of contact, Doug would notify them about everything from their next load to the birth of a child, or the death of a family member. He also answered the phones for the Packwood Fire Department and helped dispatch first responders and firemen. He cared for every employee and their families and earned their respect through his actions. As the business grew, Doug was so proud to be able to work side by side with his family. His passion was trucking, and he made it into a career. Doug always made time for his faith and his family. He was incredibly proud of all his grandchildren and their accomplishments. He was an active member of the Packwood Christian Church and could be found every Sunday opening the door for guests and waving at cars as they drove by. On November 15, 2020, Doug married Dorian Atwood. The two had begun dating in 2009 and cherished their time together. Dorian was one of the first people to get Doug to venture out of Packwood, IA. Doug welcomed Dorian's family and treated them as his own. As he reached retirement, he was able to look back and be proud of a company that is rooted in family values and will continue successfully for years to come. Doug had a servant's heart. He was always volunteering where needed, even in his final moments. He cared deeply for his family and his community. Doug created a legacy through his leadership, passion, and his service to others. It is a legacy that will live on through his family, his business, and his community, and as Doug would always say, "Real Good, Real Good". Doug was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Janet Dickey (1996). Left to share his story is his wife, Dorian Atwood of Fairfield, IA, two daughters, Amy (Terry) Clark of Packwood, IA and Amber (Nathan) Blomme of Cedar Rapids, IA, a son, Jeremy (Angie) Atwood of Packwood, IA; seven grandchildren, Aspen and Mia Clark, Adam, Mason, and Hudson Blomme, and Brock and Kyler Atwood; four siblings; Dave (Judy) Dickey, Dan (Cindy) Dickey, Deb (Gary) Bemis, and Megan (Mark) Perrine, as well as many extended family and a host of friends.