Howard Dixon, Jr.

Howard Raymond Dixon Jr., 99, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at a later date in Ames, IA.

Howard was born in Albia, Iowa, the son of Howard and Bessa (LaFollette) Dixon.  He served in the United States Army in the Pacific during WWII.

He earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering and Geology, followed by a Masters degree in Micropaleontology.

He worked as a geologist for the Iowa Highway Commission and as a Vice President for Moline Consumers Company, where he specialized in geology and environmental reclamation.

He enjoyed playing trombone, trumpet and drums in several local bands, including the Bettendorf Park Band and a number of jazz bands. He volunteered to entertain at nursing homes and played for military funerals on Arsenal Island. He loved nature, long walks and the company of his grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Susan Dixon of Aurora, Illinois and her daughter, Sara, and Sharon (Dixon) Teager, along with her husband Bill of East Moline, Illinois and their children Nathan and Kaitlyn.

Howard was preceded in death by his son, James and his wife, Shirley (Adams) Dixon.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Howard’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.

Donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in lieu of flowers, during the memorial or online anytime.