Melvin D. Dixon – Benton, IL

Melvin D. Dixon, 74, of Benton, passed away at 6:47 p.m., on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 21, 1948, to William and Florence (Watson) Dixon in Christopher, IL. He graduated from Benton Community High School, Class of 1966. When he was in high school, he worked for Davis Feed Store.

Melvin is a Veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. In 1967, he entered the Army serving three years and was discharged as an E5 Specialist receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He returned to his family in Benton, working at Roses Gas Station.

On June 5th, 1971, he married the former Barbara Learned. Shortly after their marriage, he was hired by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department as a Jailer. After 4 months, he was promoted to Deputy. On October 11, 1973, he was hired as a full-time police officer at the Benton Police Department, serving 28 years. During his tenure at the police department he served in many positions, from Drug Task Force to Police Chief. He retired on October 19, 2001. He was also a member of the Police Pension Board. Melvin then joined Brinks Armored Car Service for 13 years, until he finally retired in 2014.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather. He enjoyed going to the gun range, watching his grandkids sporting events and attending every event they participated in. He also enjoyed traveling and classic cars. He loved being actively involved in the Benton Community and seeing it evolve.

Melvin was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton, IL, and a former member of the choir.

Mr. Dixon is survived by his loving spouse of 52 years, Barbara, two daughters, Amanda Miller and husband, Troy, of Benton and Sarah Stowers and husband, Derek, of Benton; five grandchildren, Matthew Miller, Logan Stowers, Isabella Miller, Lenox Stowers and Lance Stowers; brother, James Dixon of Benton; sister-in-law, Melissa Learned; three nephews, Ryan Dixon, Travis Dixon and Corky Miller and two nieces, Debbie VanWinkle and Jill Blythe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William B. and Florence Dixon, a brother, William C. Jackson, a sister, Charlotte Miller and sister-in-law, Kay Dixon.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Jesse Hinds, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United State Army Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.