Floyd Lee Dixon Obituary December 28, 1933-July 26, 2026

Floyd Lee Dixon died peacefully on July 26, 2026, in Waco, Texas, surrounded by his beloved family. At 92. He was born on Floyd December 28, 1933, in Ottumwa, Iowa, and raised in Russell, Iowa. Floyd fell in love with Shirley Woods at age 13. When they were 16 and 15, in 1950, they eloped to Missouri, waking up the justice of the peace to marry them because they couldn't wait any longer to be together—the same justice who had married Shirley's parents many years earlier. They kept their marriage secret for two weeks until they told her mother, who wanted to know if they could have it anulled. Floyd and Shirley shared 68 years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and faith.

 

A natural builder, Floyd started his first plumbing business at age 17, later he served in the U.S. Army 1954 - 1956 and Army Reserve for 6 more years as a Survey Specialist.. After the army his career included employing many workers, running an excavating and building crew, constructing over 500 homes, managing a ready-mix company and Big D Lumberyard, In the 1960s, Floyd built the government building in Chariton, Iowa, which housed the town's only restaurant, the Country Chef. After it closed down several times, Shirley, his wife, took it over and ran it with incredible talent and skill. Then in the 70's He developed the “Lazy Dayz” vacation community on Lake Rathbun. Later, he moved to Colorado, started a solar business, and eventually worked at Home Depot, applying his construction skills across various departments for 10 years.

After polio left Shirley in a wheelchair, Floyd faithfully cared for her, often praying, “God, let me live just one day longer than Shirley.” When she passed in 2018, Floyd woke up the next morning and questioned God, “This isn’t what we agreed—why am I still here?” He remained with his family for eight more years, continuing to be a source of love and comfort.

In later years, Floyd moved to Texas to be near his son and grandchildren, settling in Waco. Throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his faith, often saying, 'God blessed me even when I didn’t deserve it.'

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Audrey Dixon, wife, Shirley; son, Richard; siblings, Betty Cross, Jackie Andrews, and Fred Dixon; and granddaughter, Angel Dixon. He is survived by his son Brad; grandchildren Joshua, Justin, Caleb, Melissa, and Aaron Dixon; Adam Chenoweth and great-grandchildren Ella Rappolo, Jensen, Zailey, Gaius, Roland, and Ian Bohannan; and a legacy of love and hard work.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A graveside service will be held at Russell Cemetery in Russell, Iowa. At 2 pm October 25, 2026. Pierschbacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.