Howard L. Dixson

Howard L. Dixson, age 81, passed away to his eternal home on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA after a long courageous battle with several health problems.

He was born in Miller, South Dakota on January 7, 1931 to Robert and Emma Dixson. He lived his growing years in South Dakota where he attended school graduating in 1949. Howard served in the US Navy during the Korean War from 1951-1955. Following his discharge from the Navy, he attended South Dakota State University graduating in 1960 with a Civil Engineer Degree.

On June 24, 1962 at Ruthven, Iowa he was united in marriage with Joyce Ann Ruehle. To this marriage four children were born; Denise Ann Laue, wife of Dale Laue, Steven, died shortly after birth, Carol Lynne Waid, wife of David Waid, and Robert H. Dixson.

Howard was employed by the US Geological Survey in 1960 starting in Pierre, SD, transferring to Vermillion, SD, then to Huron, SD. He later transferred to Ithaca in 1980. Howard retired in 1990 with approximately 37 years of service.

During their years living in Ithaca, they established a bed and breakfast called “A Touch of Country.” Howard and Joyce enjoyed the many guests they served from all over the world. The family enjoyed traveling in their motor home and had a winter home in Wildwood, FL.

In addition, Howard bonded with their pet cat. We think this cat thought it owned Howard. Howard was the only one that could pet this cat. When Howard was gone you could just see it was looking for Howard. Matthew said, “Grandpa’s cat showed Grandpa more respect than about anyone else.” This cat named “Dolly” was Howard’s defender.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Joyce; their children, Denise, Carol, and Robert; his grandchildren, Sarah Laue, Jessica (Brice) Agneessens, and Matthew Laue; his only brother, Fred Dixson; his brother in law and sister in law, Shirley and Barney Granstra; and relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, a sister in law, and a brother in law.

Memorial Services will be held at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg, on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 3:00pm. Interment with full military rites will be held on Monday, March 19, at 11:00am in Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Romulus, NY.

The family asks those who wish to make a contribution in Howard’s memory to kindly consider the Enfield Valley Grange #295, Attn: Roger Hubble, 301 West Enfield Center Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or Enfield Volunteer Fire Dept., 172 Enfield Main Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

The family thanks everyone for the acts of kindness given them at this sad time.