Deacon Dixon Jr.

The life of Deacon Leonard Thomas Dixon, Jr. began when he blessed his parents, Leonard Thomas Dixon, Sr. and Jewel Smith Dixon with his birth on April 7, 1933, in Denver, Colorado. He was the second child born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brothers, Vernon, Benjamin II, Michael, Tony, and his sisters, DeVonne, Ruth, Jewel, Cheryl, Patricia, and Sandraleen. He started working at ten years old, as an apprentice for Joe Vickers at Joe's Shoe Repair. He was always athletic. He loved playing sports and was a member of the school football team and track team without his mother's permission.

Leonard received his formal education in Denver, where he graduated from Manual High School. He furthered his education by attending Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas. He was able to attend by obtaining a full scholarship for his skills in track and field.

On March 23, 1953, Leonard was drafted into the United States Army. While serving his country, he was stationed at Fort Lewis Washington. He earned a National Defense Service Medal. He served with honor and distinction and was honorably discharged at the rank of a Corporal.

Leonard married Earlene Hancock in Denver, Colorado. To this union, a daughter, Lisa was born. This marriage was later dissolved. On July 15, 1968, he wed the former Lernlene Brown, with this union, he became the father of Dwight and Columbus also to this union Nicolette was born.

He was a loving and devoted husband and father. He often told them about the "Goodness of the Lord." He loved Hershey Bars and he also loved his wife's cooking especially her "Chili" and wouldn't share it with anyone. He was later blessed with six grandchildren, Teisha Jevon, Ashley, Christopher, Nathaniel, and Rahmon who all were an additional source of joy and pride in his life.

By profession, Leonard was a professional Shoe Repair Man or Cobbler. He was the sole proprietor of his own shop in the historic Five Points of Denver. His shop was a welcomed stop for many in the community to refuel their souls; while he repaired their soles. He loved being able to minister to many of his patrons. He was featured in a news article posted in the Denver Weekly News entitled "Shoe Repairman Began Early" which chronicled him starting shoe repair at the age of ten and continuing for sixty-five years.

A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Leonard has been a member of Central Baptist Church for over fifty years. He served his church and the Lord as a member of the Male Chorus; Central Baptist Choir and he was an Ordained Deacon. He loved the fellowship shared with his church family, he truly believed that everyone needed to have a relationship with the Lord and he loved praising the Lord in song.

Deacon Dixon was a fun-loving man who enjoyed life and those he encircled. He was an avid sports enthusiast and loved following the Denver Broncos. His closest friends, Steve Carter, Deacon Purcel, and Deacon Bush will miss the camaraderie's they all shared together and the fact that he was a true and trusted friend. They will miss his love of God, his golden voice, his faithfulness, and his generosity. To know Deacon Dixon was to love him.

Deacon Leonard Thomas Dixon, Jr. departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on December 12, 2018, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his loving and devoted wife, Evangelist Lernlene Dixon, 2 daughters, Lisa Dixon, and Nicolette Dixon; 1 son, Dwight Robinson all of Denver, Colorado; 2 brothers, Benjamin (Bennette) Rowlette of Aurora and Michael Rowlette of Parker; 3 sisters, Patricia Holliday, Cheryl Rowelette, and Jewel Spikes all of Denver; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation : December 20, 2018 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Celebration of Life : December 21, 2018 12:00 pm

Central Baptist Church
2400 California Street
Denver, CO 80205

Reception : December 21, 2018 4:00 pm

Central Baptist Church
2400 California Street
Denver, CO 80205

Interment : December 21, 2018 3:00 pm

Fort Logan National Cemetery
3698 S Sheridan Blvd
Denver, CO 80235