Aug. 20, 1917 - Nov. 1, 2008

Melvin Dixon, 91, died Nov. 1 following many years of illness.

Melvin was born in Shandong Province, China, to missionary parents Stanley and Eva Dixon.

He married his beloved wife, Nancy, in May 1942. He received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity from Pasadena College in Pasadena, Calif.

The Dixons' first pastorates were in Santa Barbara, Calif., and Breckenridge, Mich. They continued pastoring Methodist churches throughout the state of Oregon (Shedd, Medford, Heppner, Cottage Grove and Milton-Freewater/Weston) until retirement in 1980.

After retirement he continued as long as he was physically able to provide pastoral assistance to various denominations, including United Methodist, Lutheran and Church of God.

He was lovingly cared for by Nancy until she suffered a hip fracture and serious illness that led to her passing on Sept. 18, 2008.

A combined memorial service for Melvin and Nancy Dixon will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 at Riverside Community Church of God in Cottage Grove with a reception following.

Melvin and Nancy are survived by two daughters, Sharon Dixon of Springfield and Marra Dixon of Creswell.