Forde Paul Dickson

Paul was born on December 1, 1930, in Ogden, Utah, to Forde and Elma Whitesides Dickson. He was one of seven children—three brothers and three sisters—and was raised with strong values of faith, family, and hard work. He shared a close bond with his brothers and sisters.

Growing up on the family farm in Richville, Paul worked side by side with his brother J. Burton. Those early years taught him discipline and the value of hard work that stayed with him throughout his life. He attended Morgan High School, where he enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball.

On his 8th birthday—December 1, 1938—Paul was baptized in East Canyon Creek. The water was frozen that day, and they had to break the ice so he could enter the water. His mother, Elma, waited on the bank with a large quilt and wrapped him tightly when he came out of the icy water. It was a memory he never forgot.

Paul served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the West Central States Mission, where he taught the gospel to dear friends Jim and Gertrude Gough. Much of his time was spent working on Native American reservations, where he grew to love the people he served. Some of the Native Americans he became close with made him a full Indian costume and headdress, which he treasured. Paul learned traditional dances and would sometimes share them at local schools as he talked about his mission.

After returning home, Paul worked for a short time as the Morgan County Weed Supervisor, helping care for the farmland in his community.

Soon after, Paul served his country in the Korean War. While serving in the Army, he often cut the hair of fellow soldiers, which was the beginning of what would become his lifelong profession.

After returning home, Paul met his sweetheart, Romona Thackeray of Croydon, Utah. They were sealed for time and all eternity and built a life together centered on faith and family. Together they raised four children: Murry (deceased), Denzil (Judy) Dickson of Elk Ridge, Utah; Dell (Mark) Loveless of Mapleton, Utah; and Stuart (Tim Gill) of Salt Lake City, Utah. Paul is also survived by daughters-in-law Amy Miller and Julie Bowne.

Paul learned the art of barbering and began working at the Hotel Utah before opening his own barber shop in Morgan. He worked for seven decades and is estimated to have cut more than a million heads of hair. Paul treated every customer like a friend.

After 70 years of barbering, he was recognized as Utah’s oldest working barber at age 95, just three weeks before his death—a title that reflected not only his longevity but also his deep love for the work and the people he served. He looked forward to going to the shop each day and cherished the many conversations and relationships that came from those years behind the chair. His shop became a gathering place where people came not only for a haircut, but also for good conversation and friendship. Paul always kept a respectful atmosphere in his shop and never allowed vulgar talk or unkind words about others.

People came from across Utah and even from neighboring states—and sometimes from as far away as Alaska—to sit in Paul’s chair.

Paul served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One tradition his family treasures deeply is the personal Christmas letters he wrote each year to every member of his posterity. In each letter he shared his love, counsel, and testimony of Jesus Christ. Tucked inside was always a crisp two-dollar bill. Those letters will always be treasured by his posterity.

Paul was also known for his generosity. He loved contributing through the Church’s Giving Machines and especially felt grateful to help provide polio vaccines to children around the world.

He was a proud member, and later President, of the Utah Sons of Utah Pioneers and took great pride in honoring his pioneer heritage.

Paul was also deeply involved in horticulture and agriculture. He worked with the Utah State Fair of Horticulture and served as Head of Horticulture and Agriculture for the Morgan County Fair. He spent many years encouraging local farming, gardening, and community pride.

Paul took great care of his yard and garden. One of his unique habits was saving hair from his barber shop and adding it to the soil in his garden. He believed it enriched the soil and helped plants grow.

He was also a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was grateful for the opportunity to serve his country.

Above all, Paul was a disciple of Jesus Christ. His life reflected quiet faith, service, and love for others. Paul was a perpetual missionary his entire life.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and kindness that will continue to bless those who knew him.

Well done thou good and faithful servant.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rock Church (10 W. Young Street, Morgan, UT 84050). Viewings will be held on Tuesday March 17, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday prior to the services from 9:45-10:45 a.m., all at the Rock Church. Interment will take place at the South Morgan Cemetery.