Tom Dickerson

Thomas L. “Tom” Dickerson, 58, of Los Angeles, California and formerly of Terre Haute, Indiana departed this life on Sunday,  August 25, 2019, in Los Angeles.  He was born January 20, 1961 to Lawrence A. “Bud” Dickerson and Betty J. Francis Dickerson.  He was preceded in death by his parents and great nephew Grant A. Hatzl.

He is survived by his brother, Steve Dickerson (Gayle) of Louisville, Kentucky, sisters Kathy Dickerson and Patty Halloran (Bernie), and adopted sister Jeanne Lorenzo (Chuck) of Terre haute; Nieces Tyson Hatzel (Greg), Mya Blanford (John), Morgan Moccia (JoAnna), Hannah Schurr (Elliott), Bailey Halloran and Payton Halloran ; nephews Kellen Barnes (Lauren), Dylan Sinn, Jurgen Sinn(Brittni), and Nicolas Dickerson; Great Nieces Anna Grace Blanford and Leighton Ann Sinn; Great nephews Jake, Evan and Luke Hatzl, and Vincent Barnes.

The family would also like to acknowledge his large group of friends including but not limited to:  Rand Rusher, Blake Seaton, Curt Meeuwsen, Kevin Fitzgerald, Arturo Barquet, Alfredo Aparico, Jason Gonzalez, Korbin Bielski, Beth Birsa, Julia Michaels, Mary Kiser, Lisa Headley, Chard Bartley, and April Frank.

Tom attended Fuqua Elementary School, Sarah Scott Junior High School and was a 1979 graduate of Terre Haute South High School.  He obtained his B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Indiana State University in 1983.  Later, Tom obtained his Master’s in Education from Indiana University. 

He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the ISU cheer team.  He was also a long time staff member and head instructor for the National Cheerleader Association.

Tom started his teaching career in 1983 at the Bluffton Harrison School in Bluffton, Indiana.  He continued teaching at Penn Harris Madison School in Mishawaka, Indiana.  He then taught for twelve years at the Center for Early Education in West Holly wood, California.

After 22 years in education, Tom took on a new career and became the supply chain manager for Leaf and Rusher in Beverly Hills, California, eventually leaving the company after achieving the position of Director of Operations at Le Marche’ Naked Princess in Beverly Hills.

Tom was a true, loving, and loyal son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.  He rarely got angry, he never held a grudge, and he always forgave.  He was a talented dancer, choreographer, artist, and cook.  He loved his family, friends, and all animals.  He loved California, but regularly returned to the Mid-West, remaining an active member in the lives of his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at DeBaun Springhill Chapel.  A service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Tom’s nephew, Nicolas Dickerson officiating.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Happiness Bag Inc., 3833 Union Road, Terre Haute, Indiana.  Online condolences may be made to www.debaunfuneralhomes.com.

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