Luginbuel Funeral Home, Vinita Ok. 918 - 256 - 5555 ........ Merle Gene Dixon passed away January 14, 2017 at his residence in Vinita, Ok.. He was born February 24, 1938 in Vinita, Ok. the son of Velza and Alma (Inglish) Dixon. Merle graduated from Vinita High School in 1956 & The University of Oklahoma in 1961 with a B.A. Degree in Accounting. He served three years in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Captain. After returning from the service, he worked for a CPA firm in Tulsa before moving back to Vinita in 1965. Here, he opened his own practice in accounting & tax preparation, which he maintained for 48 years. He married Marjorie (Marge) Usher, August 16, 1974 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Vinita, Ok. Merle became a member of Vinita Rotary Club in 1993 & served as treasurer for many years. He was treasurer of the city of Vinita for 6 years, a member of American Legion Post 40 & also served as treasurer. He was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church, where he was a member of the Vestry & treasurer. He was an avid golfer & loved spending time playing & watching the game and was a staunch OU football fan. One of his greatest roles in life was just being "Granpapa" to his 9 grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Velza & Alma Dixon & brother Jerry V. Dixon. He is survived by his wife Marge of the home, his soul-mate Granddaughter Kasie Espinoza. Two sons, Mark Dixon & wife Sheri, Phil Dixon & wife Amy, Daughter Tricia Dixon Jones & husband Steve, all of Orlando, Fl. Step-son, Glen Baumert, Durango, Co., Sister Joan Dixon Marsh, Sun City, Az., Nine grandchildren, Sage Dixon, Coral Dixon, Iris Dixon, Cecelia Dixon, Clay Dixon, Haley Jones, Breece Jones, Kasie (Baumert) Espinosa and husband Angel & Karli Baumert, Great granddaughter Vivian Espinoza and excitedly waiting for the arrival of a great-grandson Krosby Alan. Sister-in-laws, Hazel Lane, Atoka, Ok., Loretta Pavell, Abilene, Tx., Brother-in-law Bruce Usher & wife Kim, Atoka, Ok., mumerous nieces, nephews and many other friends. Memorials in his name may be given to St. John's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, P.O. box 165, Vinita O.K. Visitation will be held Monday from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Tuesday from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Luginbuel Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday January 18th, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at the Saint John’s Episcopal Church with Father Phil Lawrence officiating. On-line condolences maybe submited to www.honoringmemories.com.