Willard Charles Dixon

Willard Charles Dixon, 82, passed away Monday, April 21, 2008 at the Lakeview Hospital in Bountiful, Utah.

He was born February 5, 1926 to Charles Hyrum Dixon and True Call Dixon in Payson, Utah and married Janice Thorne June 8, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Willard was raised in Spanish Fork, Utah and graduated from Spanish Fork High School. He was an Eagle Scout and also achieved the Bronze Palm. He joined the Navy just before graduation and served as a sailor in World War II. He witnessed Kami Kazi planes as they nosedived on nearby US ships.

He served an LDS Mission to Mexico. In addition to speaking Spanish fluently, he studied Hebrew, Latin, Greek, French and Vietnamese. He graduated from BYU with a BA degree in 1952 in chemistry. He also completed 20 hours of graduate work and biology at the U of U. He worked for the U.S. Public Health Service, and later for OSHA. He became proficient in microscopy and became a National Expert in Asbestos Analysis. After retirement he started his own laboratory, which is rated as among the top 1% asbestos laboratories in the nation. He was a lifetime member of the Chemical Association and the AIHA where he was awarded by the Utah Section with the Lifetime Meritorious Award.

Willard was known for his love of knowledge and education and relished learning new facts. His children and grandchildren could always depend on him supplying needed information in every subject. He was a compassionate and loving man and sponsored more than 25 foster children and homeless families.

He is survived by his wife, Janice, of 54 years and six children: Charles (Sandi) Dixon, Steven, (Alyce) Dixon, Daniel (Suzanne) Dixon, Lucy (Michael) Armstrong, Douglass (Debbie) Dixon and Bill (Lorena) Dixon. He had 20 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He is also survived by sisters, Elaine (Graham) Rhodes, Jean (Phil) Ekins, Linda (Dan) Lundgren and Portia (Lee) Mandel. He was preceded in death by his sister June (Dallin) Oaks and his parents.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 1:00 pm at the Brookhurst Ward Chapel, 1125 North 400 West, Centerville, Utah. Friends and family may call Wednesday, from 6-8 pm at Lindquist Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E and at the church Thurs from 11:30- 12:45. Interment at Spanish Fork Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com