A Friend to Everyone He Met
Belding-Ionia Lodge No. 355 | 58 Years of Masonic Service
Ferris “Curly” Dickinson was a man of warmth, humor, and genuine kindness who never met a stranger. He was known for making friends wherever he went, often stopping for coffee and conversation at Meijer, Bluewater Café, and Sheri’s. His easy smile and welcoming personality left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
In 1951, Curly married the love of his life, Betty Brown. Following his service as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War, the couple settled in Palo, Michigan, where they raised their four children. Curly operated Curly’s Mobil Service before later retiring as a licensed millwright from GenCorp in the 1990s.
The family eventually moved to rural Ionia, where they enjoyed maintaining a hobby farm. Curly was a devoted member of Palo United Methodist Church, served on the Palo Community School Board, was a proud 32nd Degree Mason, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels through the Ionia County Commission on Aging.
Masonry played a meaningful role in Curly’s life. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he was actively involved with the Palo Masonic Lodge alongside his father, Bert Dickinson, dear family friend Fay Hall, and many others from the Palo community. During those years, the lodge was a vibrant gathering place, hosting public card parties and community events that supported the Palo Order of the Eastern Star.
Although participation gradually declined and the Palo Lodge closed in the late 1960s, Curly and many fellow Masons and Eastern Star members continued their involvement through Sheridan Lodge. Dedicated to their fraternity and friendships, they faithfully attended meetings regardless of the weather, even traveling through dense fog and difficult conditions to gather together.
Curly passed away in 2019 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of service, friendship, faith, and family devotion. Today, his wife Betty, a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and their family continue to cherish his Masonic ring and the many treasured memories created through his years of Masonic fellowship.
Curly’s life stands as a testament to the values of brotherhood, community service, and unwavering dedication to family and friends. His memory remains a blessing to all who knew him.
Submitted with love by his wife: Betty Dickinson