John G. "Buddy" Dicken, Jr., 79, passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at his home surrounded by family.

He was born September 14, 1942 in Indianapolis, to John G. and Evelyn D. (Miller) Dicken, Sr. They preceded him in death.

On February 15, 1964, he married Sandra Hudson.

She survives along with five children, Michael (Mary) Dicken, Goshen, Rachel (Kevin) Bee, Winamac, David E. (Nancy) Dicken, Tucson, Arizona, Laura (Paul) Church, Cape May, New Jersey, and Elizabeth (Michael) Kleeberger, Gallup, New Mexico; 29 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and a brother, Steven (Nancy) Dicken, Tucson, Arizona.

Pastor Dicken received his Doctorate of Ministry from Arizona Christian University. In 1970 he was ordained in Spiceland, Indiana. He ministered in the Baptist Church for more than 58 years prior to retirement.

He received a Carnegie Medal in 1975 for saving a person from being hit by a train. A member of Grace Bible Baptist Church, New Paris, John continued to minister as a chaplain for the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department from 2009 thru 2014.

A funeral service will be conducted Thursday, December, 23 at 11 a.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastor Joel Wallenbeck will officiate.

Burial will follow at New Paris Cemetery. After the graveside service, friends and family will be invited to Grace Bible Baptist Church, 68080 Division St., New Paris, for a time of fellowship and sharing of memories.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com.