Dr. R.W. “Docky” Dimond

     Dr. Ralph Wilson “Docky” Dimond, age 88, of Lamar, passed away Friday, June 19, 2009, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin.

     Docky was born September 19, 1920, in his family home in Lamar, to Dr. Walter & Emma (Booten) Dimond.  After graduating from Lamar High School in 1938, Ralph attended Missouri State University in Springfield and went on to earn a doctorate degree in dentistry from UMKC in Kansas City.  From 1943 through 1946 he served in the Navy aboard the USS Zania in the Pacific Theater, Solomon Islands, Philippines, and Okinawa.  Returning home to Lamar after the war, Docky began his 43 year career in dentistry, partnering first with his father, then in his own practice until retiring in 1982.

     An accomplished musician, Docky had a passion for polka and played drums with the John Yoger Band for several years.  He was an avid gardener and fisherman.  Docky was dedicated to his family, his community and his many close friends.  He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.

     On March 29, 1946, at Girard, Kansas, Docky married his “Country Girl”, Trula “Billie” Wendt, and she survives of the home.  Also surviving are two sons and their wives, Jack & Kathleen Dimond and Jeff & Karen Dimond, all of Lamar; two daughters and their husbands, Jane & Bill McIntyre, Osage Beach, and Julie & John Zibert, Lamar; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dr. Edgar Dimond.

     A graveside memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 24^th at Lake Cemetery with Rev. Galen Friedrichs officiating.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Daniel Funeral Home.

     Memorial contributions are suggested to Barton County Senior Center in care of Daniel Funeral Home.