Edward (Rick) Russell Dixon II, currently a resident of Florissant, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 21, 2016. He was 69 years old.

Edward was born on January 4, 1947 in Muskegan, Michigan. He was one of 3 boys born to the late Edward Russell Dixon (the 1st) and Helen Grace Dixon (born Meyer), and he has a previously deceased brother David. In his teenage years, Edward and his family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, the place that he considered his home. He grew up working alongside his mother in the hospital there where he started out his career in the medical field as an orderly. He also had the good fortune to meet the love of his life there in the hospital, Mercedes Garcia, and they later got married and stayed happily in love for almost 50 wedded years until his passing. In the late 1960s, Edward joined the military and after boot camp, was transferred with his family to a military base in Hawaii, where he spent 3 years in the U.S. Army as a Specialist, 4th class, working primarily in the hospital. Later on in life he worked as a respiratory therapist for many years. Ultimately, he retired from his career as a sleep lab technician at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, Illinois, being forced to retire as sudden illness complicated his life around 8 years ago.

In his spare time, Edward loved to take photos. His favorite subjects were storms, and he was so happy when he was able to photograph lightning. He also had a passing interest in paranormal photography. He was an avid reader, never limiting himself to any particular genre of literature. He also enjoyed baseball games and being outside in the garden, quietly working away in his planter beds. He was known for being one of the smartest guys you knew, and perhaps his wide knowledge made him a bit opinionated at times, but he had a soft spot for his grandkids, whom he loved dearly and his “Kitty Kat”.

Edward leaves behind to mourn his passing; his beloved wife (Maria) Mercedes Dixon; his loving children; “Russ” Edward Russell Dixon III (wife Robin), Kimberly Ann Eeftink (husband James), Selina Renee Ferguson (husband Jeff) and Robert Garcia (wife Mary); his dear grandchildren, Zach Ferguson (wife Becky), Elyce Eeftink (fiance’ Aaron Bricker), Jake Ferguson, Melissa Eeftink, Anthony Hirsh, Lilli Ferguson, Zachary Eeftink, Nathan Garcia, Nicholas Garcia and Matthew Garcia; great-grandkids, Kendall Ferguson and Levi Bricker; brother Steve Dixon (wife Nina); sisters-in-law, Rose Dixon and Ida Garcia; many nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held on September 24, 2016, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Robinwood West Clubhouse, 12566 Merrick Dr, Creve Coeur, MO 63146.