Obituary
Dr. David Newell Dixon, 80, Muncie, IN passed from this life into eternity on Monday, February 19, 2024.
Born December 25, 1943 in Lima, Ohio, he was the son of Raymond and Virgie (Ash) Dixon. He graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 1962 from Waynesfield-Goshen High School. David earned his bachelor of science degree from The Ohio State University, where he was president of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He also sang in the Men’s Glee Club. He received a master of arts degree from University of Colorado, and doctorate from University of Minnesota in Counseling Psychology. He married his college sweetheart, Felicia Ann Ladd on August 12, 1967, and they shared over 56 years together. His career as a professor of psychology led them to the University of British Columbia, University of Nebraska, and Ball State University. At Ball State he was the chair of the Departments of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services (1987-1996) and Educational Studies (1998-2004).
David was a Fellow of Division 17 (Division of Counseling Psychology) of the American Psychological Association. He was a Benjamin V. Cohen Peace Studies Faculty Fellowship recipient. His scholarly work took him to communities in Northern Ireland and South Africa. His greatest impact was in teaching and training graduate students. His textbook, co-authored with John Glover, Counseling: A Problem-Solving Approach, influenced many students. Dave loved his work with graduate students and helping them realize their professional aspirations.
David was deeply committed to his family, church, and community. In their retirement, David enjoyed spending time outdoors, building, gardening, working on his childhood farm, reading, engaging in community outreach activities with his wife, attending sporting events, and teaching, but he particularly loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had a profound faith in Jesus Christ as his savior. He was an active congregant with Tabor Church, and for many years he was an elder in Muncie Bible Fellowship. David was very active in Kiwanis International, serving as president of the local Kiwanis Club of Muncie and statewide governor of the Kiwanis Indiana District from 2016 to 2017. His dedication to service spanned over three decades, in which he found fulfillment in making a positive impact on his community and beyond.
Survivors include his wife, Dr. Felicia Ann Dixon; daughters Dr. Diane (Adam) Dungan of Muncie, Indiana, and Dr. Deirdre (James) Fulton of Hewitt, Texas; grandchildren Olivia and Madeline Dungan, Jada and Dane Fulton; as well as his sister-in-law, Carane Ladd.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Dr. Carolyn S. Dixon, son, Daren Dixon, and a daughter who died at birth.
Visitation will be held at Garden View Funeral Home located at 10501 N St. Rd. 3, Muncie, Indiana, 47303 on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. In addition, a short visitation will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by a funeral service in the same location at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Jim Sandburg officiating. Burial will take place on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Gardens of Memory Cemetery located at 10703 N St. Rd. 3, Muncie, Indiana, 47303.
Donations
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Daren Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund with the Ball State University Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Muncie, P.O. Box 884, Muncie, Indiana 47308.