Donald DedrickDonald Edwin Dedrick, Jr., age 83, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Saturday night, April 8, 2017.Don was born on November 17, 1933 in Wichita, Kansas to Donald E. Sr. and Margaret E. Dedrick. Don attended the University of Wichita before serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After discharge from the Army, he finished his education at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. He spent his long working career in the food facilities design & consulting business which included 24 years with his own nationwide consulting firm, Don Dedrick Associates. Along with his professional career, he also spent several years raising cattle on a small farm in the Ozarks. Don was an ardent student of Classical and Early Christian history for more than 30 years and used his knowledge to write a historical novel titled "The Epiphany of Marcus Apronius".Don will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He was the loving husband of 56 years to Jeanne Pfeifer Dedrick, devoted father of Michelle Mawson of Fountain Valley, CA; son Gregory Dedrick and wife Patty of Plano, TX; proud grandfather of Dylan Rettenberger, Audrey & Kate Dedrick and Michael & Sabrina Mawson. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gerald.A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father Fergus Monaghan officiating. Lunch will be served at the church after Mass. Burial and military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2818 East Bennett, Springfield, MO 65804 or to a .Arrangements are under the care of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri.