Richard was born on December 9, 1946, in Provo, Utah. He was the youngest of five children born to Glen and Elva Schemensky Dixon. Richard had an ideal childhood enjoying the outdoors with his family, especially while hunting and fishing. Richard was a natural athlete excelling in football and baseball. He would often leave for the baseball park first thing in the morning and wouldn’t come home until dinner. He was known for his home runs. His friends and family still talk with excitement about watching him hit long-bomb homers. He graduated from Provo High School in 1965. He received a scholarship to play baseball for Brigham Young University. He graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor’s in Science.

In 1966 he was drafted by the US Army and then sent to Vietnam. Richard served honorably in Vietnam from 1966-1968. One night, he and his squad were out on patrol securing supplies. On the way back to their barracks, they were viciously attacked by the Viet Cong. Richard was seriously wounded from gunshots and a rocket-propelled grenade explosion. He spent over seven months in the hospital recovering. As he recovered from his injuries, he gained a strong testimony of the power of prayer. General Westmoreland presented him with a Purple Heart. He is a hero to our family and his country.

After returning from the war, Richard’s sister Jeanie introduced him to Sherry Pyper from Springville, Utah. She fell in love with his witty personality and handsome good looks. His new Oldsmobile 442 was an added bonus. They married on June 26,1969, in the Salt Lake Temple, and were blessed with five beautiful children. Their early years together were spent in St. Louis, Missouri, but they raised their family primarily in Sandy, Utah.

Richard loved hunting and fishing, especially with his sons and grandsons. He was the happiest in the mountains. When we get together as a family, the most fun memories and gregarious laughter are shared when talking about the shenanigans that went on during hunting season. When returning from his fishing adventures, he loved to share his catch of the day with friends and neighbors.

Richard loved family above all else. He was a dedicated husband and father and worked hard to support his family. He was known to show up early to all of his kid’s athletic events. He hardly ever missed a game when his own kids were playing and later in life, he supported his grandkids, whether they participated in piano recitals or football games.

He was the life of every party, and he could light up a room. He had a fun sense of humor that his family and friends adored. He was loved by all who knew him. We can only imagine the reunion in heaven as he was greeted by his loved ones, including his dad who died when Richard was 16, over 60 years ago. Richard was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He shared his love with others through his friendly and outgoing personality. He loved visiting with ward members and neighbors.

Richard is preceded in death by his mom, dad, brothers, Max Dixon and William Dixon, and sister, Shirley (Keith) Davis. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sherry Pyper Dixon, his children: Darin (Heidi) Dixon, Ryan Dixon, Angie (Stan) Davies, Kristen (Wade) Brown, and Sara (Todd) Furness, 22 adorable grandchildren, his sister Jean Dixon Elliott, and sisters-in-law Ina Dixon and Karen Dixon.

Our family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Ashford Assisted Living, Pointe Meadows Rehabilitation Center, and the hospice team at Active for their patience and love over the last four months. The children would also like to thank their sweet mother, Sherry, who lovingly and selflessly cared for their dad for many years as his health declined.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Draper Utah Crescent View Stake Center located at 11626 South 300 East, Draper, Utah with a viewing from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Interment to follow at the Evergreen Cemetery located at 1997 South 400 East Street Mapleton, Utah.