Eugene "Gene" Walter Lee Dixon, 92, passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2022. Gene was a family man raising five children; Steven Dixon, Brian (Peggy) Dixon, Alan (Terry) Dixon, Wes (Julie) Dixon and Brenda (Paul) Allen. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A man of integrity, a Christian and devoted husband to his wife Verna of almost 64 years. When our mother passed away last summer, we knew Dad would not be far behind. He loved her deeply. They are now reunited in Heaven.

Gene was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on December 10, 1929 to the late Floyd and Flossie Dixon. He joined the Marines when he was 17 years old, he served 20 active years retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant. His friends called him "Gunny". Gene and Verna lived the typical life of a service man moving around the country until settling down in Traverse City, Michigan.

His engagements in Korea included the capture of both Inchon and Seoul,
and combat at Wonsan, Heungnam, and Chosin Reservoir. Gene was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, four awards; Korean Service with a silver service star for five combat campaigns, United Nation medal, 2nd award; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; World War II Victory Medal; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, six awards.

After retiring from the Marines, he worked and retired from the Grand Traverse County Road Commission. In his later years, Gene was involved in the veteran's association. Gene was interviewed and recorded about his experiences in the Korean War in the Korean War Legacy Project. He loved being on the computer and maintaining his webpage and communicating and staying in touch with other veterans. Stand easy Marine, for we now have the watch, God Bless you and thank you for your service, Dad (Gunny). Semper Fi.

A memorial service honoring Eugene will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Traverse City Church of the Nazarene, 1023 S. Division St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Pastor Rick Rice will officiate.

Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Marine Corp., Cherryland V.F.W. post 2780 and American Legion post 35.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Traverse City Church of the Nazarene, 1023 S. Division St., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Gene's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.