Billy Dean "B.D." Dickbreder

Born near Rockville, Mo., on Oct. 25, 1926, B.D. was the only child of William C. "Dick" Dickbreder and Sadie Lee Chastain. He passed away at his home early May 23 from complications of COPD. The family moved to Schell City while he was a baby, and he has lived his entire life in the Schell City community, graduating from Schell City High School in 1944.

On July 22, 1944, he married his high school sweetheart, Martha Mae Antrim. Two children -- Dorothy Mae and William Dean -- completed their family. Following service in the Army during World War II, Billy Dean owned and operated a grocery store at Harwood, Mo., and then owned the Standard Oil (Amoco) Bulk Delivery for 29 years. As a young man, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. And like Martha's parents, he and his family were active members in the Schell City First Baptist Church. Later B.D. and Martha transferred their membership to the El Dorado Springs First Baptist Church, where they were faithful members while their health permitted, and until this past year he had assisted in the church's nursing home ministry.

B.D. supported summer softball leagues during the 1960s by sponsoring teams and serving as the nightly announcer. He was also supportive of community projects, being involved in the building of the Medical Center and Schell City Housing, and serving on the Board of Green Lawn Cemetery and Farmers State Bank. B.D. and Martha were known for the beautiful flowers and impressive Christmas light displays at their home south of Schell City. They enjoyed their 18 years of RVing and traveling after their retirement; making many new friends which developed into long-term friendships.

B.D. was an active member of the Schell City Lions Club, a 50-year member of AF&AM Masonic Lodge No. 448, a 50-year member of Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 148, and deacon "emeritus" of the First Baptist Church of El Dorado Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Martha on Nov. 25, 2005; and one son-in-law, Loren Charles Goodman.

He is survived by one son, Dean and Sandy Dickbreder of Racine, Wis.; and one daughter, Dorothy and Paul Palmer of Schell City. He enjoyed stepgreat-grandchildren, Devin and Adajha Spaulding, of Racine, Wis., and Autumn Isbell of Independence, Mo., and Autumn's parents, Bob and Lola Miller. He is also survived by four nieces and nephews, Doug and Diane Antrim, Dallas, Texas, Bob and Nancy Antrim and Virginia Tays, all of Taft, Calif., and Jim Antrim of Denver, Colo., as well as cousins and many special friends.

Funeral services for Billy Dean "B.D." Dickbreder were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 26, at First Baptist Church in Schell City, with the Revs. Doug Reynolds and Ron Marsh officiating. Musical selections were provided by Madalyn Crocker and Paula Gray. Pallbearers were Kenny Hallam, Kent Bell, Kevin Bell, David Bell, Sam Vantellman and Mert Fogler. Honorary pallbearers were Dale Stark, Everett Prough, John Lewis, Larry Dade and John R. Hoagland. Burial was in the Green Lawn Cemetery, Schell City, Mo. Masonic services were held during the visitation by PDDGM Lawrence Cripps. Funeral services for Mr. Dickbreder were entrusted to Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City, Mo.

Memorials are suggested to the El Dorado Springs First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, the Schell City Community Building, or Heartland Hospice in care of the funeral home.