Gary M. Dix Obit Photo

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Gary M. Dix
Date Of Birth:August 22, 1919
Date Of Death:April 30, 2012
Service Date:11:00 a.m. Friday
May 4, 2012
Allen Funeral Home

             Gary M. Dix, 92, of Bloomington passed away on Monday, April 30th at the Brown County Health and Living Center in Nashville.  He was born on August 22, 1919 the sixth of seven children to Velda (Boyd) and William Bert Dix in Robinson, Illinois.  He was a retired self-employed provider of contract petroleum maintenance, installing and repairing all equipment in service stations and bulk plants for several major oil companies.

            Gary volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1941 and was honorably discharged in 1945.  He served with the 28th Infantry Div. of the 109th Infantry Regiment.  The 28th Div. was called the "Bloody Bucket" by the Germans due to the Divisions red keystone insignia.  He served in Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland and the Ardennes Campaigns and was wounded in action in the Hertgen forest of Germany, for which he was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry and the Purple Heart.  He had previously been awarded the Bronze Star with Clusterand V Device for Heroism in combat in France.

            He was a lifetime member of the Lauren B. Strain Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Burton Woolery Post #18 of the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and Bloomington Amvets Post #2000.  He was a former member of United Brothers Church in Robinson, IL and was a member of McDoel Baptist Church of Bloomington.  He was also a member and Past Master of Monroe Lodge #22, F.&A.M., 1984, and was Master Ritualist in 2010, Bloomington York Rite Bodies, Murat Shrine of Indianapolis, Stone Belt Shrine Club and a life member of the Legion of Honor.  He began his Masonic journey in Robinson, IL with Robinson Lodge  A.F. & A.M. in 1946.

            Gary started a scouting career in Robinson, IL under Scoutmaster Kenneth Gould in Troop 28 where he attained 1st class scout.  He later, in Bloomington, was assistant scoutmaster under Thornton Stone of Troop and later Head of Explored Post One advisor.  He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow and the Brotherhood of the Order of the Arrow.

            Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law; Gary D. "Doug" Dix and wife Deborah Robinson of Ellettsville, Terry Lee and Barbara Jean (Goodman) Dix of Bloomington, one sister, Lenora Hoffman of Arlington Heights, IL., grandson Brian D. Dix  (wife Marie-Daniele) and their daughter Caitlin of Montreal, Canada,  Doug's step-granddaughters Traci Bowman (husband Cody), Toni Robinson and Taylor Robinson, of Ellettsville, and Terry's children; Pamela Kirk (husband Stuart) of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Cheryl Fike, Charles (Chelsey) and great granddaughter Ainsley Dix, and Robert Fike, all of Indiana.

              He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Evelyn (Young) Dix, one son, William "Billy" Dix, one sister, Roberta Jean TeVault and four brothers, Charles, James, Boyd and Robert Dix and one grandson, Eddie.

            Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 S. Old St. Rd. 37, Bloomington.  Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery where the Monroe County Veterans Honor Guard will conduct Military Graveside rites.  Friends may call on Thursday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Masonic Memorial services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Thursday.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org
  • From: Dirk & Ganhan Ewers
    Location:Indianapolis,IN

    Brian, Doug and The Dix Family, Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as we all mourn the loss. As your father/grandfather is now in a better place, we take comfort in knowing he is forever remembered as a wonderful person. Many happy memories will always remain with you, as with me.

  • From: Steve Sturgeon
    Location:Ellettsville

    While I didn't know Mr. Dix, I just wanted to send my condolences and say how much I appreciate how much he did for our country and its freedom. Men like him are true American heroes. The only time I ever saw my father sob was after we watched Saving Private Ryan together. There is a reason why these people are called "The Greatest Generation." Thank you Mr. Dix and God bless you and your entire family at this difficult time.

  • From: Phil Richey
    Location:Tampa, FL

    My sincere condolences to the Dix family. I was a member of Boy Scout Troop 1 at Hunter School, and remember Gary well. I have always had fond memories of my association with him during that period. May God be with the Dix family.

  • From: Chad and Melissa Birkey
    Location:Springville, IN

    Terry, Barbara, & Family: Gary was one VERY special man who we LOVED so very much and will forever hold close in our hearts! He will be missed greatly, but we know this is not forever, because one day we will be reunited with him in Heaven. We will get to see him again and of course when we all get there Gary will see us too! He was proud of his family, proud of serving his country, and proud of his Jesus! We were proud to have had him in our lives and to have had the honor and privilege to have known and loved him!! God bless you all. Chad and Melissa Birkey

  • From: DANNY L.HMC(AW)USN/RET & REBECCA S. FLEENER
    Location:PENSACOLA, FLORIDA 32526

    To Doug, Deborah To Doug Deborah, Terry & Barbara and families. As many of you know Gary was like a second father to me. Along with growing up together there was the guidance of scouting. When I left for the military he gave me a lot of advice and moral backing. He gave me a departing gift that I treasure to this day. He will be deeply missed by Becki and myself. All our love and sympathy. Danny and Becki Fleener

  • From: Geert van Zantvoort
    Location:Helmond Netherlands

    Our sincere condolences to the Dix family, from your Dutch friend's, we remember you as a good and allways happy man, it was good to know you, Garry. We hope you will find your rest now. You did so much for your family, and for your friends, they will never forget you. Garry your funeral was on the same day we honner our allied friends in Holland. Garry thanks, see you in heaven.

  • From: Nancy (Galloway)Carter
    Location:Lansing, MI

    Doug and family, My condolences on the passing of your dad. May your memories comfort you.

  • From: Ernie Mitchell
    Location:Orr Minnesota

    My condolences to Doug and family for the loss of an old soldier and great gentleman. It's been years since I've had any connections to the old Allen/Dixie/Rogers Street neighborhood but I still remember the Dix Family. It's a tragedy that we are losing the wisdom and insight of men like Gary and "The Greatest" genereation at a time when the country needs their wisdom and guidance the most. Kindest Regards, Ernie Mitchell