Eugene Dixon

Obituary

Gene went to stand with God and his beloved Jesus on July 16th, after a courageous fight with lung disease. Eugene (Gene) Dixon was born to William Henry and Mattie Dixon in Ada, Oklahoma on October 17, 1932. William left Oklahoma to bring his family of eight children to California in 1938. Chowchilla Union High School football team was proud to have Gene as one of their stars. Gene went on to marry his high school sweetheart Norma and father three children of whom he took a lifelong pride; son Michael, daughters Pam and Tami. Gene served with the Navy during the Korean War. Gene was active in the local Korean War Veterans Association and was a driving force in the creation of the Korean War Memorial located on Truxtun Ave. that monument is one of his crowning achievements. He was a volunteer whenever a need arose. He drove the VFW van weekly to the Vets Hospital in LA. He was a long time Secretary to the Korean War Veterans Assn. He always performed his duties with his usual quiet zest, without any fanfare. On Sundays Gene could be found at Calvary Bible Church as an official Greeter for the Congregation. For many years he was a consistent worker, gathering hauling and selling for the churchs annual yard sale. Many a dollar was raised through his hard work behind the scenes. God united Gene with Billie Fae Garrison Parks in marriage in 1992. That union provided Gene and Billie with 21 years of happiness. He is survived by daughter Tami Austin, Pam Smith and husband Bob Smith, and son Mike and wife Lori Dixon, all of Bakersfield. Genes siblings: Truitt, Nina, L.P. and Roma, Shirley and Robert. His widow Billie Dixon of Bakersfield and her son Edward Parks of Tehachapi. 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Viewing is Sunday July 20th, 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Peters Mortuary in Shafter. Graveside Committal and Military Honors on Monday July 21st, 8:30am at Shafter Cemetery. Memorial service to follow 10:00am at Calvary Bible Church on Manor.