Obituary of Eugene Francis Dixon

Eugene Francis Dixon, age 88, of Pitman, NJ, slipped his earthly ties Sunday morning, April 30, to begin his eternal adventure. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 39 years, Mary (nee Schomp), as well as his daughters Mary (Scott) Lebeau and Gina (Charles) Friars and sons Mark Dixon and Timothy (Cynthia) Dixon. Gene was the patriarch of a growing clan that includes grandchildren Courtney, Steven, Sean, Max, Libby, Jason, Michael, Dylan, Ryan, Savannah, Shea, and Chase. Eight great-grandchildren will miss Grandfather's guidance and stories. A U.S. Army veteran, Gene took a different path and became an active member of the Catholic Left in opposition to the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Camden 28, proud of their resistance to the draft system and the war. The group raided the Camden draft office in 1971, removing and destroying draft records. They became the first peace group to hear the two words, "Not Guilty" after a jury supported the 28's reasons for their action. Gene was an accomplished writer who reviewed plays and concerts for the Camden Courier-Post and whose poetry won awards and was published both online and in books. With his son Tim as illustrator, they created a children's book, The Story of Isadora Pumpkin, inspired by Courtney's early interest in dance. After working for 30 years at the Budd Company in Philadelphia as a machinist and quality control inspector, he retired to begin a new career in the casinos of Atlantic City. He began as a slot mechanic at the Sands and retired as Director of Slot Marketing at the Taj Mahal. A seeker of knowledge and full of curiosity about people and the world, Gene was a voracious reader, especially of history and current events. Many Januarys he enjoyed the Key West Literary Seminar, both for its chances to engage with authors and for an escape to tropical weather. He particularly liked to travel; Italy, Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington, DC were among his favorites. Friends may greet the family on Monday, May 8, 2023, in the Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Avenue, Pitman, NJ, from 6 to 8 pm, with Words of Remembrance shared at 7 pm. Callers may also offer condolences from 9:30 am to 10:15 am in the funeral home. A funeral mass will be said on Tuesday at 10:30 am in Our Lady Queen of Peace church (Mary, Mother of Mercy parish), Pitman Avenue, Pitman, NJ. followed by internment at Eglington Cemetery. Gene was a volunteer with Queen of Peace's Society of St. Vincent dePaul food pantry. Those who so desire may make a contribution to the food pantry through Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish, 500 Greentree Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028. Canned and boxed food may also be donated at the viewing at Kelley Funeral Home. Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.