Paul Dixon

ALLEN DIXON IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO -- Allen Dixon, 86, died at Gables Assisted Living on Thursday, October 08, 2009. (Paul) Allen Dixon was born at Fort Bragg, California on April 6, 1923, to Paul Alvin Dixon and Nola Dean Allen Dixon. In 1926 the family returned to southeast Idaho where Allen’s parents had been raised. They relocated between Ririe and Rexburg several times, making their final move to Ririe when Allen was in the sixth grade. He spent the rest of his school years there, graduating from Ririe High School in May 1942. Allen was always a hard worker. From the time he was 15 years old, he hauled truckloads of cement and sand for the lumberyard his dad managed. All loads were packed and unpacked by young Allen alone, with a shovel. He did not play sports in high school, but he did find occasion to play a saxophone in the Ririe High School Marching Band. With what free time he had left, he fished. After school he would often walk to favorite angling spots on the Ririe canals. It was on his way home from an ice fishing outing on December 7, 1941, that Allen heard six words over the radio that would change his life: “Pearl Harbor has just been bombed!” The next day Franklin Roosevelt declared war, and Ririe High School’s principal addressed the student body. “Some of the boys in this room will probably be called to serve in this war,” he said. Within 15 months Allen was in uniform at Camp Roberts, California. Allen married Norene Harris Heaton on June 24, 1942 in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Temple. The couple had been together for less than ten months when Allen was called to serve in World War II. He departed in early 1943 and was away from the States for almost three years. He was stationed in the Pacific Islands, assigned to the Army’s Americal Division. Allen was still with the American troops entering Japan after the official surrender on September 2, 1945. On November 30, 1945, Allen finally returned to Idaho where he and Norene settled into Ririe for the following four years. He found work as a teller for the Rigby Office of the American National Bank in February 1947. After three years of commuting, the family moved to Rigby in 1950. To earn extra money, Allen also opened a furnace-cleaning business, charging $5 per furnace. As soon as he came home from a work day at the bank, he donned his cleaning attire and went off to scour coal furnaces. Allen was promoted from the bank’s bookkeeper & teller to assistant manager in 1956. Seven years later he was promoted to vice president & manager. He completed several courses through the American Institute of Banking and was a 1967 graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School in Seattle, Washington. He had dedicated 35 years of service to the bank when he retired in 1982. At the same time, he was active in community service. Allen served as president of the Rigby Chamber of Commerce and participated in the Lion’s Club as a member, a term as president, and a term as treasurer. After Allen’s retirement, he and Norene traveled extensively through California, Oregon and Mexico. Once they even parked their motor home on a ferry to Alaska—to drive the Alaskan highway back to the continental United States. Allen often said that everyone should drive the Alaskan highway “just once.” The couple’s favorite destination by far was the Oregon coast. Allen enjoyed sorting through stacks and stacks of slab-redwood or burlwood searching for the perfect specimens to craft his stunning clocks. After living in Rigby for nearly 50 years, they relocated to Idaho Falls. Winter months were spent in the warm weather of Mesa, Arizona. Allen is survived by three children: Lynn Dixon (& Heather) of Salt Lake City, Linda Whitehead (& Don) of Idaho Falls, and Joni Dixon (& Nick Floersch) of Idaho Falls; seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Allen was preceded in death by his wife Norene, two sisters (Rowena Killian & Jean Rasmussen), and one grandson (Mike). Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge, Idaho Falls, Idaho. The family will meet with friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2009, and for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial will be in the Rigby-Pioneer Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Rex Sperry Sansperry@aol.com Noreen & family We were real sorry to hear of Allens death. Our sympathies are with you all at this time. Rex and Sandy Sperry Ruby Sharp I am so sorry for your loss. Allen was a good neighbor to us on Henryanna. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Susan Scoville Nelson Lynn, Linda and Joni: I was so sorry to see your Dad had passed away. It doesn't matter how old they are or how old we are, they are always our "Mommy" and "Daddy." Rex Sperry Sansperry@aol.com Dixon Children, I sent a message yesterday and did not know that your Mother had already passed away. We were sorry to hear that. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rex and Sandy Excellence In Dentistry godfreydental@gmail.com The entire staff: Dr. D. Kent Godfrey, DDS. Dr. Curtis J. Godfrey, DDS. Marlene, LeAnn, Susanne, Holly, Tiffany and Natalie wish to express our sympathy at the passing of Allen Dixon. We'll miss him walking into the office announcing that "DIXON" has arrived. We enjoyed our last visit with him in July 2009. We know that he missed his sweetheart terribly and was anxious and excited to be with her. May you find comfort in his absence. Dick Barker 2barks@cableone.net I express regrets and was sad to hear of Allen's passing. Like him, I started with the American National Bank and continued for 40 years having many pleasant contacts & transactions between our two branches over the years. So Long fellow banker & friend. Lana Egan Many happy memories of Allen & Noreen and their friendship with mom and dad (Florence and Mel) and Alice and Ty. Especially Island Park and the trailers! Most of that group is now passed on, but the memories will remain with their posterity. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time. I hope that knowing Allen is with his lovely wife and in a better place will bring you comfort. Lyle Nelson inyr2525@msn.com Sorry to hear about your Dad. I didn't know that is why both Layne and Carrie were in Idaho Falls. Please know that I'm thinking of your family and send our hugs. Dane Watkins thewatkinscompany@cs.com Dear Family, I want to send my condolences on the recent passing of your father. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a great person, and his outstanding accomplishments in the community will always be remembered. Sincerely, Dane & Sherry Watkins Quintil Ramirez [Qramirez@ppidaho.com] Dear Lynn, Linda and Joni; Our family knew, respected, and appreciated your Dad very, very much. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I also regret missing his funeral. I consider myself fortunate to have known and been friends with your grandfather, Paul. Your Dad, and my friend, will surely be missed. I will continue to respect and think of him often. My very best to all of you and your families. God Bless. Ray Nick barbara abrams brent babrent@cox.net Dear Dixon Family, I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Dixon's passing. He was the neighbor of my Mom and Dad (Charles and Marjorie Abrams) and we always enjoyed your Dad so much. I know you miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with you. barbara abrams brent