Donald Keith Dixon, 83, died on August 27, 2022, in Huntley, Illinois.
Don was born in Wewokoa, Oklahoma on December 29, 1938, to parents Glynn and Rita (nee Reed) Dixon. When Don was a young boy his family moved to Richland, Washington where he grew up. He served as crew chief in the United States Air Force, and got his private pilot’s license following his honorable discharge.
In 1974, while working at his company in Denver, Colorado, he was introduced to Cathy Rausch and the pair quickly became friends. The friendship soon evolved into love, and the couple was married in May, 1978, in Idaho. Cathy was his best friend and the love of his life.
Don and Cathy traveled extensively, and were constantly on the road in their RV. They visited all but 6 of the United States in their RV, as well as many Canadian provinces. They also went on several cruises, including one through the Panama Canal and a Rhine River cruise. Don was the life of the party, and made friends everywhere he went. He was an intelligent man who had a hunger for knowledge. He followed current events, and following retirement he taught himself how to navigate currency and stock market trading.
Don had medical battles the last three years of his life and even was a test case for the FDA for a life saving device that was implanted in his heart. It took great strength and courage to do this, and it was successful. As a result the device now has FDA approval and can be of to help others with similar situations.
Don will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Cathy Dixon. His children, Tammy (Bill) Fisher, Debbie Powell, and Darren (Julie) Dixon, his grandchildren, Keith, Bryan, and Taylor, his three great-grandchildren, his sister, Glynda Dixon, Cathy’s brothers, Jack (Kathy) Rausch, and James (Christine) Rausch, many nieces and nephews, and his faithful canine companion, Panda.
Cathy’s brother had this to share about Don:
Today I pay tribute to my sister's husband, Don Dixon. We lost him yesterday. Cathy and Don were married for 44 years so needless to say, it is a tough time for her and our family.
We are blessed that Don and Cathy have spent the entire summer with us, visiting from Arizona. The last several months have been filled with very good times. Great meals at home or out, golf, movies, Mom's huge birthday celebration, Root Beer Freezes (his favorite) at the Woodstock DQ...
But perhaps the two things I will cherish most involve Don's background in electronics and aviation. He served in the Air Force and was a private pilot, and had an incredible amount of knowledge in electronics. We spent time at my workbench goofing around with repairing an antique radio, and he taught me more in those few hours than I had learned in years...
Thanks to the efforts of my son Jeff and his friend and pilot Tim Slater, Don got to enjoy 48 hours at the Air Show in Osh Kosh. He was like a kid in a candy store. Two full air shows, fireworks, museum tour, and viewing of thousands of planes. None of us will ever forget it.
Don's last few years did have some health challenges, but he was a bull. He fought through a heart procedure that had never been done before, and recovered so well that he was featured on a news segment in Tucson.
We are all so grateful that he was able have a great summer. I am especially grateful for the wonderful marriage that Don and Cathy enjoyed.
Memorial Service for Don Dixon – Sept. 26, 2022
Please join via Zoom or in person as we celebrate the life of Donald Keith Dixon.
On Monday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. (5 p.m. Eastern, 4 p.m. Central), our service will begin.
We anticipate that most attendees will join us virtually through Zoom.
Copy and paste this URL into your web browser:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4684766473
Meeting ID: 468 476 6473 Password: 087 707
The address for attending in person is First Presbyterian Church of Peoria, 10236 North 83rd Avenue, Peoria, Arizona 85345.
As we worship God together and honor Don’s memory, there will be an opportunity for attendees to briefly share memories.
You can access a copy of the order of service at
https://1drv.ms/b/s!ApTwxZNhyE2e8QhAAYdypDP0cyIv?e=zocMgu
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Don sounds like a man with whom it be a pleasure and a learning experience to chat with.
What an incredible tribute to such an admirable man. His presence will hold the memories of many family members and friends for years. May he Rest In Peace. Hugs to Cathy, Panda, his children, grandchildren, and his extensive family.
My heart and thoughts are with you, Cathy. We have shared so many good times, business as well as personal. Don will be missed. My prayers are with you.
Kathy. Billie and I enjoyed our friendship with you and Don at MCC and offer our since condolences
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts & prayers for you and many many hugs
Dear Cathy, Remembering the MCC good times and your friendship. The many years you and Don had together filled with travel and fun will be your memories to cherish forever. Sending comfort to you and family and a little hug to Panda too!
Cathy, We are deeply saddened by Don’s passing and can only imagine the loss you’re feeling right now. You two have been very important to us, and we are praying for the Lord to give you the strength to get through the coming days.
Don. What a great guy. We’re so happy that we got to spend a little time with you before we all left Arizona. Our rv adventures were wonderful. Cathy, we’ll be back in AZ early November. Hope to see you then
My deepest condolences to Kathy and family. I am Don's X brother in law and formerly married to Glynda. I also remember Don as the life of the party kind of guy, very outgoing and social. I met Don and Cathy when they just bought a marine on Priest Lake, Idaho. Both Don and Cathy were super hosts and happy to share there new place with us. I also meet Don's three children there for the first time in the late 70's. I was really impressed with Don and Cathy for their gutsy challenge and this new life. The second time we got together is when he and his mom attended Lea's, my daughter, college graduation in 2004. Both meetings were memorable. Don will be missed.
Kathy, as we remember Don, only good thoughts are remembered. He was a great guy and will be missed by many. Rest in peace, my friend.............
We met Don in 1983 when Cathy joined our staff at Dupree. A favorite memory is being introduced to the stunning Kootenay Springs Golf course in BC Canada. Cathy and Don hosted Debbie and I at their 5th Wheel campground and we played several rounds on what became one of our favorite golf layouts in the whole world! They introduced us to their many friends including the local Golf Pro and we had the best Jambalaya I had ever experienced. We will miss him. RIP Don.
Bruce and I send love and prayers as you celebrate Don’s life tomorrow. We don’t ever remember Don without a smile and kind words to say. And what a smooth rich singing voice that he shared with us all at church while at MCC.
You are in my prayers and thoughts. We had some really good times traveling with you guys and playing golf. I think of Don up in heaven still trying to teach Chuck. Hugs and Love.
Cathy, We are deeply saddened by Don’s passing and can only imagine the loss you’re feeling right now. You two have been very important to us, and we are praying for the Lord to give you the strength to get through the coming days.