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<p><em>Paul John Dixon</em> was born on July 13, 1946 in Buffalo, NY to Harold and Dorothy Dixon. Paul was the second of two children, arriving two years after his sister, Deanna, who often turned to Paul for brotherly advice. Paul spent most of his early years in Buffalo before the family moved to Brighton, MI, where he lived on the family farm and attended Brighton High School from 1960 to 1964. Michigan winters covered the nearby Old Farm Road with snow, which he was required to remove. Tough work, but, even then, he thought it was “character building.” At Brighton High, Paul began pursuing an appointment to West Point during his junior year. Undaunted by lack of immediate selection, he became a member of the varsity club and National Honor Society, while also finding time to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Those who knew Paul said his determination showed as center on the football team when he broke his nose in the season’s first game but continued playing his heart out until his coach noticed blood covering the front of Paul’s jersey. Such determination could be seen in Paul throughout life.</p>
<p>After high school, Paul continued academic pursuits at Alma College, Alma, MI, from 1964 to 1966. It was during freshman orientation at Alma that Paul mustered the courage to cross the room at a mixer and ask an unsuspecting young girl, Wendy King, to dance. Little did either suspect that dance would start their lifelong adventure together. A question burning in Wendy’s mind and presented later to Paul after their first dance was, “Why did you pick me?” His answer was direct: “You had good looking legs!” That closed the deal. At Alma, while still pursuing an Academy appointment, Paul excelled in math, becoming a member of the mathematics club. After sophomore year, his dream came true. He was awarded a senatorial appointment. Sacrificing two years of college was a no-brainer for Paul. He was going to West Point, following in the patriotic footsteps of his father, a pilot who flew in World War II and during the Korean War, and his uncle who gave his life in combat in Korea. They set the example for Paul, both having valiantly served and sacrificed for their country.</p>
<p>Paul arrived at West Point two years older and wiser than most new cadets. Another striking difference between Paul and his classmates in this era of the Beatles and Rolling Stones was his interest in the music of Ravi Shankar, something his roommates and hallmates found “unusual.” Yes, he had more experience than the rest of the class, but with that also came a receding hairline, earning him the affectionate nickname “Pop.” At West Point, Paul became a staunch advocate of the “System,” very apparent to arriving, uninitiated plebe classes. Being a math whiz paid dividends for Paul as he defeated the mathematics challenges confronted in the feared plebe math books known as the “Green Death.” Paul participated in organizations, including the Pointer staff, Scuba Club, and Military Affairs; and he filled cadet leadership positions, setting the example for others. Paul and Wendy were married in the West Point Cadet Chapel on June 3, 1970, merely hours after graduation. </p>
<p>Paul selected the Infantry branch, thriving in a variety of command and staff positions. Following the Infantry Officer Basic Course, as well as Airborne and Ranger schools, Paul and Wendy were off to Germany for four years, first with the 1st Infantry Division, followed by four years stateside with the 82d Airborne Division. Adding an M.S. degree from Florida Institute of Technology to his education, Paul contributed immensely to every assignment, seeing each through to optimal conclusion with pride and humility. Such commitment and exemplary performance earned him varied military awards. The Legion of Merit defined his exceptional service to nation. He fulfilled a myriad of other assignments, including assistant program manager for mobile subscriber equipment at Fort Monmouth, NJ, deputy for competition at the Pentagon, and program manager of the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System. After Army retirement as a lieutenant colonel in 1993, Paul worked for 16 years with TRW/Northrop Grumman. Following full retirement, Paul shared his knowledge of history with a World War II tour company as a teacher and docent for historic wartime battlefields, such as Normandy. He also worked for USMA Admissions for eight Southern California congressional districts. In 2017 Paul was recognized by the Superintendent for his admissions work.</p>
<p>Active in church, Paul taught Sunday School, led men’s Bible studies, and volunteered in the disability parking area. His beliefs were unshakeable, guiding his every action. This was apparent to the very end as Paul agreed to participate in a clinical trial during his eight-year Alzheimer’s battle. He willingly gave up driving for the medical knowledge to be gained from his final journey, hoping such may help others. Son Dwayne and daughter Heidi provided their parents loving support throughout this challenging time.</p>
<p>Paul left earthly life in Fullerton, CA on December 28, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of life well lived, of grads mentoring students seeking “offers of admission,” and of a beautiful family that carries on with the spirit that epitomizes their father (their “Papa”), often recalling one of his many Paul-isms, “No Guts, No Glory.” Their application of that mantra will have Paul smiling from the heavens. </p>
<p>Rest in peace, our friend. Well done! </p>
<p><em>— Family and Classmates</em></p>
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