07/31/2025
Roger Dixon Obituary
Roger Duane Dixon
February 25, 1942 - July 17, 2025
Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Roger Dixon, was born on February 25, 1942, to Garland and Aileen Dixon at his grandmother’s home in Paintsville, Kentucky. A lifelong outdoorsman, consummate storyteller, and voracious reader, he shared his wisdom, folksy colloquialisms, and deep appreciation for nature with everyone he met. His academic achievements in both high school and college helped shape a life centered around family, a profound love for the outdoors, and a calling to teach and guide young people, advocating for the needs of all.
Roger began his path of educating youth with his activities in the Boy Scouts of America. His hard work and dedication to the program earned him the title of Eagle Scout. He continued to serve in multiple leadership roles within Scouting, which helped fuel his passion for teaching children.
After graduating from Paintsville High School in 1960 with both academic and athletic honors, Roger attended Morehead State University in eastern Kentucky. While in college, he met the love of his life, Carolyn Carnes, with whom he started his own family. He and Carolyn had two children: James Dixon (Emily) and Dana Dixon Walsworth (Brett). They have four grandchildren: Bradley Dixon (Sofi), Marcus Dixon, Adam Walsworth, and Eric Walsworth.
In the fall of 1965, Roger began his teaching career in Plainwell, Michigan, where he taught English, journalism, and creative writing at the high school. By the fall of 1974, after earning his doctorate in educational administration, he was appointed principal of Dansville High School in Michigan. This was short-lived, however, as in the spring of 1975, he received a call to help his father with the family’s core-drilling business in Kentucky, prompting a temporary departure from education.
The following fall, having helped hold the business together, Roger returned to the field of education—this time as Superintendent of Addison Community Schools. He served there for eight years before taking on the same role at Dowagiac Union Schools, where he spent the next three and a half years. He then became Superintendent of the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District, a position he held until his retirement in 1998. At each stop in his career, Roger remained guided by a core belief: always do what’s best for kids. He was unafraid to speak the truth, stood firmly with those who were in the right, and parted ways with those who were not.
Upon retiring, when he and Carolyn weren’t traveling, Roger devoted his time and energy to spending time with his grandchildren, nurturing in them a deep appreciation for nature. He often took them hunting and fishing, teaching practical skills while also passing on his love for the outdoors. Roger never missed an opportunity to express his pride in his family, frequently telling them how much he loved them. Through his stories, guidance, and the time he spent with them, Roger became not only a cherished role model but, to many, a larger-than-life presence.
On July 17, 2025, Roger passed suddenly at Allegan County Hospital. Though he will be deeply missed, those who knew him will carry forward his unwavering love for family, his passion for teaching, his profound appreciation for nature, and his enduring motto: Carpe Diem.
In honor of Roger’s generous spirit, love of learning, and dedication to empowering young people, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hopkins District Library in his name or a contribution to the following GoFundMe account (https://gofund.me/f42ef21a). The family plans to use the GoFundMe collection to further educational opportunities for local students.
