Donald Lavert Dixon

Donald L. Dixon, 87, of Independence, MO. passed away on August 6, 2024, after a long-fought battle with cancer. Donald was born on May 14, 1937, to Veachel and Amanda Dixon in Victoria, TX. He completed high school and enlisted in the US Army in 1955 and was stationed in Alaska. He then became a skilled craftsman in the masonry industry. He was a Brick Mason by trade and a member of the BAC Local #15 in Kansas City, MO. In the late 1960's, he competed in multiple Texas Water Safari canoe races. In 1968, his racing team placed 3rd in the world's toughest canoe race. He was a Christian man and had a strong faith in God and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Independence, MO. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and loved spending time with family and friends. You could almost always find him "cuttin' a rug," joking around, or telling stories about the "good old days." He enjoyed the outdoors and loved exploring nature, especially in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. He also enjoyed gardening, walking, hiking, traveling, camping, bird watching, and regular trips to the Kansas City Zoo, where he formed many special friendships. In his spare time, he made handcrafted walking sticks from fallen trees and branches he would find in the woods. He would turn an old dirty stick into a beautiful and functional work of art. 

Family members include his wife, Rebecca H. Dixon, of Independence, MO; children, Kim Dixon Foster and husband Gordon Foster of Beeville, TX, Holly Dixon of Kennedy, TX, and Lucinda Dixon of Independence, MO; grandchildren, Justin Ball and wife Amy of Batesville, TX, Cody Ball of Batesville, TX, Abby Tracy and husband Ty of Bandera, TX, Tyra Meeks of New Braunfels, TX, Matthew McBroom of Independence, MO, and Ethan Best of Independence, MO; nine precious great-grandchildren; siblings, LaVon Schmidt of Victoria, TX, Steve Dixon (deceased), Ferol Strawbridge (deceased), Jerry Dixon (deceased), and John Dixon of Bloomberg, TX; and many extended family members. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made in Donald's honor to Bethel Baptist Church, 2406 Rte 291, Independence, Missouri 64057.

Always loved, never forgotten! From all your girls (sorry for all the times we made you "spaz").