Dixon celebrates 80 years

Hannah Gross
NLJ Correspondent 
 
Gideon Dixon, who was born and raised in the Newcastle area, just celebrated his 80th birthday at the Weston County Senior Center on Aug. 24. It was a surprise party planned by his daughter Dee Dee Stumpff. 
“You’ve got to celebrate these golden years,” she said.
Dixon didn’t know about the party until the day before, when he received a well-meaning birthday wish at the bank. However, the surprise visit of Dixon’s sister, brother and brother-in-law and his wife from Missouri and Colorado remained a secret until their arrival a few days before the party. 
“It was a surprise,” Dixon said. “I started crying.”
Dixon was born on Aug. 20, 1939, southwest of Newcastle on a ranch on Cheyenne River Road, and he was married to Shirley Dixon (now deceased). In 1972, they moved into town, and two years later they moved to Rapid City. He worked in the real estate market, and his wife worked in the potato-processing industry for 12 years. 
But after living in the big city, they moved back to Newcastle in 1988. 
“Too fast of a life over there for us,” Dixon said. 
Starting in 1989, Dixon worked in the sheriff’s department for 12 years as a jail administrator, and after that, he was a carpenter for over a decade. He also helped develop land and has had nine houses built on his subdivision. 
After being the caretaker for his wife, who passed away from cancer in 2016, Dixon decided it was time to retire. 
“I’m tired and retired,” Dixon said.
Over the years, he’s made several lifelong friends and he also has a deep appreciation for family. 
“He’s a family man,” said his granddaughter Billi Jo Dixon. Stumpff described him as “the rock of the family.” Many of Dixon’s relatives said that he cares a lot about people and his family. Tim Dixon, who jokingly said he’s “the most favorite son,” said his dad is a good teacher and taught him everything he knows. 
“He’s always there for us,” Tim said. “He’s just an awesome dad.” 
Dixon’s granddaughter Abigail Josephine Dixon likewise appreciates “everything” about her grandpa. 
“They’re always available if we have a need,” said Gideon Dixon Jr. 
Gideon Senior enjoyed being reunited with his family for his birthday celebration. 
“I have a heck of a daughter that put this together,” he said.