Richard L. Dixon
Bound and determined not to be late to his haircut appointment, Richard L. Dixon, 80, passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at his residence of natural causes.
Born on Dec. 1, 1940, in Plymouth, he was the son of Cecil and Agnes (Lohes) Dixon. On Apr. 10, 1959, he married Patricia Cox. She preceded him in death on Feb. 20, 2003.
Richard and Patricia worked hard to raise a family and home to be proud of. Patricia raised the children, Rick, Bill, Lisa and Tammy, while Richard worked. Their home was always full of friends and family members.
They spent countless evenings playing cards with friends. The two ventured often to Pat’s Bar in LaPaz. Drives to Florida were a highlight, especially the drive through Tennessee and Georgia.
Richard enjoyed working in his yard, complete with a variety of trees, well-kept grass and large animal-shaped lawn ornaments. He also enjoyed critiquing people’s yards from afar.
Richard was the plant manager at Bremen Glass for 34 years. He never missed a day of work. He was a man’s man, fitted with his patented Levi’s and western button-up shirt. In summertime, he would be shirtless. People knew where he stood as a father, friend or boss, which was often firmly stubborn. He could reprimand someone one moment and in the next have their back. He treated everyone fairly. Even if people forced him to fire them, they still respected and liked Richard Dixon.
He retired to take care of the love of his life as she battled, and ultimately lost, her bout with cancer. A devoted husband, a day rarely passed in which he did not visit her at the cemetery, even after 18 years of separation. He mowed her plot of land at the cemetery because she deserved the best.
After Patricia’s passing, he became a baby sitter. He was a “Grandpa” to many, not just his actual grandchildren. They held a special place in his heart. He gifted nearly every one of them with a unique nickname. Some of the classics include “Trash,” “Pee-Wee” and “Punker.” He had great fun chasing them with a yardstick or making them squeal by “milking the mouse.” In his later years, he was especially admired by his great-grandsons, Karsen, Kysen, Bryson and Kamden.
He is survived by his sons, Rick L. Dixon and Bill Dixon, Plymouth; daughters Lisa D. (Jeff) Farver, Plymouth, and Tammy A. (Rusty) Harter, Plymouth; sister Joyce, Florida; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many important nieces, nephews and cousins.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Agnes; wife Patricia; brothers Jim, Jack and Joe; sisters Dorann and Sandy; and granddaughter Amber Starr.
Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 10, at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 11, with the Rev. Charles Krieg officiating. Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.