A funeral Mass for Deacon Raymond A. Dickerson, Jr. was celebrated May 16 at St. Peter Church in St. Charles. Deacon Dickerson died May 11. He was 82.

Born on May 25, 1934, in St. Louis, Deacon Dickerson married Myrna (Buschnann) Dickerson on April 23, 1955. They were blessed with two children: Holly Freeman and Beth Brinkley; along with four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. Deacon Dickerson served in the United States Army before being honorably discharged.

Deacon Dickerson was ordained a deacon for the Archdiocese of St. Louis on January 31, 1987, by Archbishop John L. May. He served first at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in St. Charles and then Our Lady of the Presentation in Overland before retirement on March 11, 1997.

Before retiring, Deacon Dickerson performed the sacramental functions of a deacon, specifically assisting at Mass, conducting wake services and attending funerals, leading Liturgy of the Word and Communion Services when needed, performing baptisms, conducting benedictions and leading Stations of the Cross. He also worked extensively visiting the homebound, nursing homes and hospitals. In addition, he prepared parents for their children's baptism, and with couples preparing to marry.