Dickie Leon French, age 70, of Mount Vernon, Texas, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026.
He was born on October 10, 1955, in Pittsburg, Texas, to Samuel Leon French and Virginia Carolyn Rainey.
He grew up in Pittsburg, Texas, where his love for music began at a young age. From the moment he discovered drums, it was clear they weren’t just an instrument to him, they were his heartbeat. He played drums in the marching band throughout his school years, and that passion followed him for the rest of his life. Though he worked various jobs along the way, music was never just something he did, it was who he was. Being a musician was not just a hobby, it was his calling. He played everywhere, clubs, hotels, VFW’s and American Legions – anywhere there was music to be made and people to bring together. He was the best drummer that ever lived, not because of fame or recognition, but because of the way he played with soul, joy and heart. When he played you could feel it. Music poured out of him like it was part of his very being. He had a way of making people feel welcome, a way of laughing that stuck with you, and a love for music like nobody else. He didn’t just play music, he shared it, lived it, and gave it freely to everyone around him. Today, We don’t just mourn his passing, we honor a life that was loud with rhythm, rich with love, and full of meaning. His music by have gone quiet here on earth, but the echoes of his life, his laughter, and his love will live on in every memory we hold and every song that reminds us of him.
Dickie was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his father, Leon French; his mother, Viriginia Jones; brother, Bobby Joe French; grandparents, Floyd and Jewel Rainey, Maggie Lou French, Samuel Pleas French; aunts and uncles, Jerry Rainey, Patricia Rainey, Danny Rainey, and Floyd French; infant nieces and nephew, Carolyn Noel French, Mindy Diane French, and Anakin Woodle.
He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Kassidy (Dustin) Wesson, Samuel (Melissa) French, Megan (Jordan) Woodle; great nieces and nephews, Kaleb Wesson, Madisyn, Bailey, Liam and Noah French, Kaileigh Woodle, Millie Stephens, Levan Stephens, Kaaynon Woodle and Kollins Woodle; Cousins, Tony Rainey, Tina Elumbaugh, Nicky Tarver, Budd Smith, Beniece Aguilar, Jerry Smith, Shawnna Helmberger, Daniel Rainey, Kevin Rainey, Larry and Katie Vick, Nina and Ronnie Vick, Jeff Brannon, Gail Heater, Kimberly Ann Castro, Chris French, Pleas French; aunt, Janice Kay Summers.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home with the funeral immediately following at 2 pm with Dustin Wesson officiating. Pallbearers will be Dustin Wesson, Samuel French, Budd Smith, Larry Vick, Kaleb Wesson, and Gary Jones. Honorary pallbearer will be James Vanderburg.
Burial will follow at New Mine Cemetery, Pittsburg Texas.
Services entrusted to Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.samharveyfuneralhome.com
