Donald B. Dixon, long time resident of South King County, passed away November 12, 2021. He was born to Bert and Ruth Dixon in Bellingham, WA on April 29, 1949.
After high school, he completed flight school training at Fort Wolters, TX and Fort Rucker, AL. He married Candace Gruenewald in 1969 and they welcomed a son, Donald Paul Dixon in 1970. Don served in Vietnam from 1970-1971 in the 170th Assault Helicopter Company, the“Bikinis”. His heroism can be seen in the film, “Angels from Above.”
Don joined the Auburn Fire Department in 1975 where he met Pamela Spencer. They married in 1977 and raised their three children together in Kent, WA.
Don preferred a simple life and enjoyed exploring the beautiful outdoors of the Pacific Northwest. He was active in his children’s lives, often running them from event to event and volunteering at church. He had a gift for connecting with and loving people from all walks of life or “scoundrels and rascals like me” as he always said. Above all else, Don was committed to and humble in his faith in God. He is no doubt resting with the angels.
He is survived by his children: Jessica (Brandon) Cunningham, Joshua Dixon and Joseph Dixon as well as his friend and former spouse, Pam Dixon. Don was the proud “Papa” to Tanner Alvarez, Kielee Dixon, Emma Dixon, Lily Dixon, Jacoby Dixon, Tristen Dixon, Lucas Layos and Gabriel Dixon. In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his siblings: Carol (Dennis) Erwin, Patti (Dan Mitzel) Burklund, David (Grace) Dixon, Shannon (Lee) Van Scyoc, Dan (Julie) Dixon
and Becky (Tom) Maage as well as numerous step- siblings, nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his father, Bert Dixon, his mother Ruth Steele, his son, Donald Dixon and his daughter-in law Bobbi (Joshua) Dixon.
A celebration of life will take place on Friday, December 17, 2021 at Bible Chapel in Auburn, WA at 10:00 AM. Reception to follow. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery at 1:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Northwest Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America or the Seattle Union Gospel Mission.
