Don D. Dixon

Don D. Dixon passed from this life gently and peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Boulder Park Terrace in Charlevoix.

Don's life will be remembered and celebrated during a memorial service that will be held this Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the Boyne City United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., the service will be led by Pastor Eun Cloud.  Don's family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Don was born on July 17, 1937 in Boyne Falls, his parents were Harry and Henrietta (Gillis) Dixon.  Don grew up in Boyne Falls and attended school there.  In February of 1957 Don enlisted in the United States Army serving until his honorable discharge in 1960.  As a young man, Don worked alongside his father at their family restaurant, "The Baby Grand".  On July 7, 1961, he married his lifelong love, Shirley Bascom; the two made their home initially in Petoskey.  Don and Shirley moved to Ludington and Don began a decades long career in the building trades.  He worked on projects both big and small all over the state.  In the mid 1970's Don and Shirley moved their young family back north to Boyne City.  Don retired in 1991.

Don was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend; his love for those close to him knew no bounds.  He had a keen if not a mischievous sense of humor and could always be counted on for a good laugh.  He loved and collected antique cars, and participated in many auto shows in which he won several trophies. 

Don is survived by his loving wife Shirley and by their three children, daughter, Pam (Pat) Kruskie of Alanson, Julie Swanson of Boyne City and Rick (Paula) Dixon of Alba, and by his seven grandchildren, Melissa, Amanda, Kari, Elizabeth, Joe, Spencer and Jake and his great granddaughter Layla, who Don called, "his special angel from heaven", as well as his faithful and cherished cat, Missy. Other surviving family members include Don's brothers and sisters, Darlene Massey, Dorris Danbert, Bruce Dixon, Christena Hosmer, Bill (Pam) Dixon, Coleen (Ron) Nesson and Ed Dixon.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dale and numerous aunts and uncles, especially his aunt, Lola Franklin with whom Don was very close. 

Those wishing to remember Don with a charitable contribution may direct gifts to his family in care of his wife Shirley, donations will be directed to a charity for children. 

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