Leroy W. Dixon Jr.

Leroy William Dixon Jr., 89, of Great Falls, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2017.A funeral liturgy will be held Friday, June 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.Bill was born February 15, 1928 in Point View Gardens, New Jersey to Laura (Phifer) and Leroy William Dixon Sr. Through the years the family of eleven migrated west, living for a time in Colorado Springs, CO and Ashland and Medford, Oregon. In 1946, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps and went for schooling in cryptography, radio, and military police. Because the war was winding down and schools were closing, he was assigned to the Fire Department on the airbase in Greenland. He later transferred to the airbase in Great Falls. After he received his discharge in 1949, he worked for many years at Montgomery Wards, the OHaire Manor, and the Heritage Inn as the overall fix it repairman, as well as other odd jobs around town.He met and married Irene Murray, daughter of William and Irene (Zeleniak) Murray in 1949.Bill enjoyed bowling for 25 years, camping, riding and fixing his Ducati, as well as tinkering on anything.He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Irene; seven children, Irene (Ronald) Hrubes of Lewistown, William (Carol) Dixon of Anaconda, Robert (Barbara) Dixon of Billings, Jean Makinster, James (Kathy) and John (Shawn) Dixon all of Great Falls, and Marilyn (Eric) Skredergard of Billings; 22 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild; and sister Rosalie Dixon of Portland, OR.Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; six sisters; one grandson; and one great-grandson.