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F. Eugene Dixon, D.D.S. |
Dr. Dixon died from a head injury suffered during a fall at his California home.
While most know the 1947 graduate for his insurance contributions, his classmates and friends from UNMC remember Dr. Dixon for his compassion.
“Dr. Dixon was very proud to be a graduate of our college,” said John Reinhardt, D.D.S., dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry. “In 2001 Dr. Dixon and his wife, Rosemary, established the F. Gene and Rosemary Dixon Endowed Chair in Dentistry enabling the college to significantly improve its research program. He and Rosemary have been great advocates for our college and Gene’s enthusiasm for our students and programs will be greatly missed.”
A beautiful new auditorium at the college was named in his honor when it was constructed in 1998.
Periodontist Jeffrey Payne, D.D.S., the associate dean for research, holds the endowed chair position at the college. Dr. Payne’s research looks into novel ways to treat bone loss associated with gum disease.
“Gene strongly believed in and supported the research program at the College of Dentistry,” Dr. Payne said. “I will always remember fondly the dinners that my wife and I had with Gene and his wife Rosemary. Gene accomplished much in his professional life; however, what impressed me and my wife the most was his kindness, sincerity, generosity and commitment to family. I will cherish always the time I spent with Gene and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him.”
A native of Superior, Neb., Dr. Dixon served in the U.S. Navy dental corps after graduating. He was stationed at a naval training station in Great Lakes, Ill., and later in Alaska, said Eugene Merchant, D.D.S., a former classmate of Dr. Dixon.
“He was a pleasant man, very cordial and obviously a good student,” Dr. Merchant said. “When the insurance companies were telling him that dental benefits couldn’t be insured, he said ‘I don’t believe that,’ and started his own insurance plan with the California Dental Association. He was a real pioneer.”
In addition to his wife, Dr. Dixon is survived by his five children — Donald Dixon of Champaign, Ill.; Alicia Dixon Docter of Seattle; Barry Dixon of Montana; Sally White of Tehachapi, Calif.; and Kathryn Dixon of London — as well as five grandchildren and his stepmother, Bobbie Dixon of San Mateo.