Apr 25, 1945 - May 02, 2023

Thomas Maurer “Tom” Dixon died the night of May 2 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City from heart disease complications. He had just turned 78. He is survived by his daughters, Kathy Keller (Joel) of Cheney, Kan., and Cheryl Theis (Chris) of Medicine Lodge, Kan.; sons, Jake Dixon of Overland Park, Kan., and Matt Dixon of Blue Springs; stepson, Mike (Beth) Tracy of Lenexa, Kan.; sister, Judy (Rich) Manka of Leawood, Kan.; half-sister, Carol Steffens (Dale), Rogers, Ark., and seven grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father; and recently, by a grandson, Peyton Theis of Medicine Lodge.

Tom was born on April 25, 1945, at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit to Mary Katherine (Maurer) and Arvil Hartford Dixon. Tom graduated in 1963 from Excelsior Springs.

He attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City for one year and then transferred to Emporia (Kan.) College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1967.

Tom spent most of his life in the car business – first with his father at Dixon Auto Sales in Excelsior Springs, then with other car dealerships in the Kansas City area, and finally, as the owner of The Used Car Factory in Blue Springs. He had a passion for cars and sales and enjoyed owning his own business for several years.

On May 26, 1990, Tom married his soulmate, Cheri Tracy, aboard their boat, The Southern Cross, at the Lake of the Ozarks. Unfortunately, Cheri died on March 17, 2016, but they had almost 26 wonderful years together and they both enjoyed the same things, spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks with friends, being with family, dancing, going to their special places to eat each week and just spending time together with their dogs. Tom never got over Cheri’s death.

Tom was hardworking and determined. He was loyal to his friends and family. He was tenderhearted and generous, almost to a fault sometimes. He loved the two dogs that he and Cheri shared, Bailey and Bandit, and was heartbroken when Bailey died this year. Tom will be missed by a lot of people.

A celebration of life for Tom was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 11, at The Summit Church, 3381 N.W. Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit, with a reception to follow in order to greet the family. Pastor Jim Preisig officiated the ceremony. He performed Cheri’s service seven years ago.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wayside Waifs (waysidewaifs.org); 3901 Martha Truman Road; Kansas City, MO 64137.