Julian Dixon

Julian McKinley Dixon, 87, Carmel, passed away December 24, 2010. Born January 4, 1923, in Norfolk, Virginia, he was the son of the late James Franklin and Eva May Dixon. He grew up in Roanoke, Virginia. Immediately after graduating from Jefferson High School, he joined the Army Air Corps and was trained to be a radio operator and gunner. Technical Sergeant Dixon was stationed in England with the 446th Bomb Group completing 30 missions over Germany, in a B-24 Liberator of the Eighth Air Force. Discharged after three years, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. Returning home, he toured with a dance band, playing the drums at hotels and resorts on the East Coast. He returned to Roanoke to marry the love of his life, Sarah Louise Hale. He obtained a private pilot's license and flew for pleasure. A job opportunity with Western Electric brought them to Indianapolis in 1950. He was the youngest member of the local Telephone Pioneers, a former member of Toastmasters International and Christian Business Men's Committee. He served as an advisor with Junior Achievement and he played drums with dance bands on weeken...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

and for Mrs. Kinnear's Cotillion for many years. After 38 years of service to Western Electric, he retired as a supervisor. After retirement, he opened and operated Dixon Phone Place and became involved with the deaf community. He learned sign language and became an interpreter and teacher. Golf became his passion. He played at every opportunity, including golf vacations with his wife and family. His greatest pleasure was playing with his son, son-in-law and grandsons. He made two holes in one as a senior golfer. He was an avid reader, particularly of the Bible and Bible studies. He was in several Bible study groups at First Baptist Church where he was a long time member. After losing his vision, audio books became a source of great enjoyment. He was a member of the Broad Ripple Sertoma where his special interest was with the "Safe Ears Program" He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sarah Louise Hale Dixon; daughter Juli (Steve) Fritsch; son Scott (Jody) Dixon; daughter Jane (Bob) Chronister; grandchildren; Rob Fritsch; Ed (Emily) Fritsch; Nicole (Craig) Dixon Wiley; Amanda Dixon; Samantha Dixon; Sarah Jane Chronister; Clayton Chronister and great grandson, of four weeks, Aiden McKinley Wiley. Memorial contributions may be directed to First Baptist Church, 8600 North College or Broad Ripple Sertoma, P.O. box 40053, Indianapolis, IN, 46260 A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church on Sunday, January 9, 2011. Visitation at 1:30, Memorial Service at 2:30. Arrangements entrusted to the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel.