Dixon, James Eugene "Gene"

Viewing: Monday, December 21, 2009 09:30AM to 11:30AM at McWane Family Funeral Home

Graveside Service: Monday, December 21, 2009 11:45AM to 12:15PM at Riverside National Cemetery

Church Service: Monday, December 21, 2009 02:30PM to 03:30PM at First Baptist Church

James Eugene "Gene" Dixon went home to be with his Lord on Sat 12/12/2009. Gene was born 6/4/1923 in Portland OR, the 5th child of James and Eva Dixon.  He called Hemet CA his home for the past 30 years.

Gene was a man who loved his family; the greatest joy in his life was being a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and dedicated grandpa and great grandpa. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of almost 64 years, Margie. He also leaves behind: three daughters-Nancy, Mary, Diane; three sons-in-law-Ken, Allan, Gary; seven grandchildren-Carrie, Brent (Bethany), Joshua (Ericka), Ryan (Amber), Kurt, Randi, Erik; eight great grandchildren: Mercedes, Briana, Caleb, Kayla, Ethan, Joshua Jr, Marcus, Emily.

Gene left Portland in 1941 to serve his country; he enlisted in the US Navy  and faithfully served on the USS Regulus as a Radioman 2nd Class during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. After his discharge, he met the love of his life Margie in Norfolk VA. They married 2/25/1946 and their journey together began. That journey took them across the US, setting up homes in 14 different cities and establishing friendships that spanned from coast to coast.

Passionate is a word that aptly describes Gene. He was passionate about his family, his sports, his hobbies, and his church work.  He devoted his whole life to meeting the needs of his wife, his girls, and grandchildren. There was never a project too small or too complicated; Gene was ready with tools in hand to tackle any problems. He built furniture for all of the family members; he helped remodel all his daughters' homes and his own, as well. He loved playing baseball in his younger days, and in his later years, he faithfully followed his Dodgers and Lakers.

Gene was an active member of First Baptist Church in Hemet. He had retired from Social Security in 1985 and embarked on a variety of hobbies and causes throughout the valley. For many years, he was involved with the local woodcarvers, he held many offices in the local NARFE chapter, and served on a multitude of boards/committees at church. For the past year, he was a resident of Desert Hills Memory Care.

Everyone who knew Gene will miss the smile that he so warmly gave. He loved people and would always acknowledge one's kindness with a big smile. He loved life and everyone who came in contact with him knew that!