Jon Richard Dixon

Jon Dixon, 84, formerly of Boardman and Poland, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024. Jon was the son of the late Ray and Thelma Dixon and a 1957 graduate of Boardman HS. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the ”Mighty Sara” the USS Saratoga, CV-60. After the Navy, he returned to Boardman and began an amazing career with Otis Elevator. He eventually became a State Elevator inspector for Ohio, finally concluding his elevator career in 2008. At one time, it’s likely that Jon had installed, repaired, or inspected every elevator or escalator in NE OH. In addition to his career, Jon was frequently seen behind the wheel or operating the wrecker unit of a tow truck. He began driving wrecker at Ludt’s Towing in Boardman and eventually collaborated with Brad Stacy to establish Brad’s Towing in Petersburg. “Otie” as they knew him, was a well-respected resource in the Youngstown area, especially to many local Police and Fire departments.

Upon returning home after the Navy, Jon met Trina Loria from Salem, whom he married and had two daughters, Ronda Rakes (Rick) of Smithfield, VA and Terri Knighton-Christian (Russ) of Edmond, OK. After many years of marriage, however, Jon and Trina went their separate ways.

Jon met and married Marty France of North Canton in 1993. They recently relocated to North Canton.

Jon was a talented roller-skater, spending countless hours at Boardman Roller Cade and other area rinks. His daughters really enjoyed watching him waltz or flea hop while growing up and he gladly taught them to skate at a very early age. Jon was also very mechanically inclined, so their neighborhood driveway was frequently occupied by a wrecker, car, or mower in some stage of repair. He was especially proud of his daughters’ technical accomplishments and interests that stemmed from these early seeds!

Jon and Marty enjoyed traveling and visited many places from the comfort of cruise liners. They frequently traveled with other family members and made many happy memories.

Jon also enjoyed spending time with his long-time friends Bob and Peggy Welsh, his family including his daughters, his granddaughter Kaitlyn, his stepchildren, and all the families that blossomed as a result.

In addition to his daughters Ronda and Terri, he leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Marty Dixon, her daughters Carla Ali (Mark) of Massillon, Teresa Wurst (Chris) of North Canton and her son, Eric France (Yvonne) of Loveland, OH, numerous grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday March 19, 2024, at the Fox Funeral Home 4700 Market St. Boardman.

A Funeral service will be held on Wednesday March 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home, celebrated by Rev. Matthew Zwilling.

Interment will be in Lake Park Cemetery. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. Boardman.

Family and friends of Jon may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Dixon family.

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