Helen Louise Dixon

Helen Louise Dixon - age 97 of Gallatin, MO and formerly of Jamesport, MO passed away Sunday night, March 29th, 2020 at Daviess County Nursing and Rehab in Gallatin. Helen Louise James was born on September 19th, 1922, the ninth of ten children to Wiley A. and Lena D. (Bogan) James in Mooresville, MO.  She grew up in the Sampsel area during the depression and never forgot the lessons learned from that era.  She graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1939. Helen then completed coursework at Chillicothe Business College. 

Helen started dating the love of her life, Joe “Junior” Dixon during their school years.  Helen remained his sweetheart at home, when early in WWII Junior joined the US Navy and served for the duration of the war.  Her sister was living in Toledo, OH at that time and her and her girlfriend Dot accompanied their fellas, traveling by train as far as Toledo, so the girls could work at a large supper club.  Their young men traveled on to their assigned bases for basic training.  Following their work experience in Ohio, Helen and Dot learned of job opportunities working in service to the war effort.  The two then drove to Portland, OR where they got jobs at the Kaiser Shipyards.  Helen learned to weld and served the nation welding floors on Liberty ships until the end of the war.  She then returned to Missouri and worked as a bookkeeper at the Chillicothe Creamery. 

On August 22nd, 1946, she was united in marriage to Joe Dixon, Jr. in Kansas City, KS.  They started their life together living in a little farm house, down a muddy lane near Lock Springs, MO that they always called their “Honeymoon” cottage.  Helen and her husband Junior were perfect partners in life and loving companions to one another.  During the war Junior had learned to sew canvas while in the navy.  After they married she taught him how to weld and he taught her to sew.  The two were a great example to their sons and families of how to be loving life partners.  They treated their daughters-in- law like their own children and welcomed them warmly to the family.  They were very well fitted and complimented one another for the whole nearly 70 years of their marriage.

In 1948 they started their family and raised four sons. Helen was a homemaker, farmwife, bookkeeper for the family farm and also for the Jamesport Elevator, for a time.  But she was so much more!  She was an excellent cook and made sure that no one went away hungry.  Her hospitality was warm, natural and gracious.  She was such a hard worker and her and Junior passed their work ethic on to their sons. To provide for her family Helen milked cows, had chickens for eggs and meat.  They also had hogs and beef on the farm and she raised a huge garden, canning goods to feed her family.  She had the most loving heart, a big smile and such a jolly demeanor.  Helen and Junior continued to dance over the years and taught their boys the joy of dancing.  The couple loved playing cards and marbles with friends, especially neighbors Bob and Willie Adams.  It gave them the opportunity to laugh and cut up and enjoy the life they both worked so hard to provide.   Laughter was a very important part of Helen; she loved to laugh.  She never liked arguing.  She said her peace and that was it.  Helen adored her sons and husband; they were her reason for living.  She was a loving and supportive grandmother; loving her grandchildren with hugs, tummies full of chicken & noodles and dirt cake, teaching them to play games and offering sage advice from her well lived life.  The couple have been generous and supportive to their family and taught them the value of family bonds.  She was a member of Lock Springs Methodist Church and has enjoyed visits with Pastor Russ Hamilton over the last several years. 

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Junior; son, Randy Eugene Dixon; 6 brothers and 3 sisters. Survivors: son, Lanny (Gina) Dixon of Jamesport; son, Gary (Connie) Dixon of Jamesport; son, Danny (Denise) Dixon of Gallatin; daughter-in-law, Debbie Dixon of Trenton; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 9 step-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions of are suggested to the Active Aging Resource Center in Gallatin in care of the funeral Home. No visitation is scheduled. Private family graveside services at Lock Springs Cemetery due to gathering restrictions.  Friends may call Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM at Stith Funeral Home, Gallatin.  Arrangements are under the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home, Gallatin. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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