Vernon J. Dix, 88, of Torrington, Wyo., passed away Dec. 3, 2009. A
memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Haxtun
United Methodist Church, with Pastor Keith Hudiburgh officiating.
Vernon was born on Christmas day, 1920, south west of Haxtun, at the
family home of hearty; homestead parents, Lee and Leona Dix. Vernon was
the second eldest of four sons. Vernon attended school at South Rockland
Grade School and New Haven High School, graduating in 1938, surviving
the Great Depression and Dust Bowl along the way. As Vernon referenced
in his valedictorian address, "The great question, after all, is not so
much what we possess, but how are we going to use that which we have?"
He further stated, "We must face our duties with hope and courage. We
must cooperate with fellow men. We must do our jobs the best we can,
look forward, play fair and strive to do our noblest." Ambitious goals
for a young man, but Vernon was true to his state ments, accomplishing
much and touching a great number of people throughout his life. Upon
completion of high school, Vernon was the recip ient of a four-year
scholarship to Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. He graduated in
1942 with a B.S. degree in engineering with a major in physics. Shortly
before his college graduation, Vernon was recruited by the U.S. War
Department to oversee the site selection and installation of radar
towers and power plants in Alaska.throughout Alaska.
In 1944, Vernon entered the U.S. Army, received basic training at Fort
Riley, Kan., and was assigned to combat throughout the Philippine
Islands. He sustained a knee injury and was hospitalized in the
Philippines, during which VJ-day was celebrated. Soon after, Vernon was
transported by hospital ship to California and discharged from the Army
on Dec. 10, 1945, having been awarded the Bronze Medal. Vernon returned
to Haxtun and accepted a position with CO-OP Services Corporation,
installing and servicing propane fuel systems, an expanding business at
the time.
On Aug. 25, 1946, Vernon and Etta Marie Evans were married and three
children followed, two daughters, Dorothy and Marilyn, and one son,
Richard.
Encouraged to take a Civil Service examination in 1948, Vernon qualified
for a clerk's position in the Haxtun Post Office and served in that
position until 1965, when he was appointed to the position of
Postmaster. While serving the U.S. Postal Service, Vernon also dry-land
farmed three quarter-section parcels. His skills were also applied to
numerous building projects, including the construction of three new
homes and a recreational "camper," specially designed and built by
Vernon for a one-month, 1962 family land excursion to Alaska and the
Seattle World's Fair. Vernon was always very active in Haxtun community
activities. Included in his community service were the
Haxtun Community Hospital, Lions Club, Boy Scouts of America and Haxtun
Methodist Church. He has been a member of the American Legion for more
than 60 years. Vernon retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1976 and
relocated to southern Colorado, spending winters in Arizona and
traveling to a number of international destinations.
Vernon earned the respect and friendship of those he encountered and was
always available to lend a helping hand. His encouragement, generosity
and willingness to help others have always been attributes that made him
a friend of many, touching their lives in various, helpful ways.
Vernon is survived by two brothers, Max and wife Christine of Yuma and
Jack and wife Betty of Haxtun. Vernon is also survived by his three
children, Dorothy Schild and husband Richard of Torrington, Marilyn
Pullin and husband Jim of Fort Collins, Richard Dix and wife Linda of
Medina, Wash,; five granddaughters; and one great-granddaughter.
Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Leona; and his
brother, Marion.
Memorial contributions for the benefit of Haxtun United Methodist Church
and Haxtun Lions Club may be sent to: Dorothy Schild, 242 Willow Court,
Torrington, WY 82240.
Gerk Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Max Dix, 95, died Dec. 14, 2011, in Yuma. A celebration of his life
will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 27, at the Yuma Seventh-Day Adventist
Church, 416 S. Hickory, Yuma.
He was born on Dec. 8, 1916, southwest of Haxtun. He was the firstborn
son to homesteaders Lee and Leona Dix. He attended South Rockland School
for the elementary years and graduated from New Haven High School in
1936.
He married Florence Turner in 1936; they had one child, Reta Rae.
Mr. Dix joined the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and was a member for the
remainder of his life.
In 1947 he moved to Rifle, where he farmed and did mechanic work.
Following a divorce from Florence he married Mary Reed in 1956.
Following Mary's death in 1996, he married Chrystine Massey in 1997. In
2004, Mr. Dix sold the farm and with his wife moved back to Yuma to be
near family.
He is survived by his wife, Chrystine; daughter, Reta Rae Ross of
British Columbia, Canada; granddaughter, Wendy Marr and husband Gordie;
grandsons, Doug Green and Zach Pfannmueller and wife Stacey;
great-grandchildren, Chad and Tyrel Gidinski, Colorado Marr, Brooke and
Sara Pfannmueller; his brother, Jack Dix and wife Betty of Haxtun; and
numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.
Mr. Dix was preceded in death by his brothers, Marion and Vernon; and
wives, Mary and Florence.
Sterling Journal Advocate