Ben E. Dickerson

Ben Edward Dickerson, A.B.C. ’96, of Denton, TX, passed away Jan. 16.

He was born on March 5, 1939, to Robert Ben and Lois (Sanders) Dickerson in Houston. He graduated from Bellaire High School in 1957 where he was class president, participated in multiple sports and was involved in FFA. Dickerson was the first scholarship recipient of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

He attended Texas A&M University where he received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in sociology followed by a Ph.D. in sociology at Louisiana State University. Dickerson served in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps for two years and then served an additional 30 years in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Colonel. He was an ordained minister and a licensed professional counselor.

For over 40 years, Dickerson’s life career was teaching. He was a college professor of sociology and gerontology at Stephen F. Austin, Baylor University and the University of Indianapolis. He also served as an adjunct faculty member at North Central Texas College and Weatherford College. During his career, he was appointed to serve on various state and national legislative committees on aging. He founded numerous courses in the field of gerontology and geriatric education, published multiple articles and books on aging and obtained countless awards for his efforts throughout his career.

Dickerson was also involved for many years in the Foster Grandparent Program, which connects grandparent volunteers with children who need mentoring, tutoring or emotional support. Dickerson organized many successful conferences for the program across the United States.

Dickerson loved people, traveling and dogs. In retirement, he especially enjoyed spending time at his neighborhood dog park with his beloved dog, Scout.