Lewis Howells “Lew” Dixon Jr., 71, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019. He was born Nov. 12, 1948, in Dallas, Pennsylvania, where he lived until graduating from Dallas High School. He graduated with a B.S. in mechanical and electrical engineering from Penn State University. While attending Penn State, he met his future wife, Janis, which began a love affair that lasted throughout their 48-year marriage.
Lew proudly served in the U.S. Army following his graduation from Penn State. Following his service, Lew had a long 45-year career at Newport News Shipbuilding as a professional engineer and shipbuilder. Here, he continued to serve his country while working closely with the U.S. Navy on the stealth of our nation’s submarines and the efficiency and strength of our U.S. aircraft carriers. Over this 45-year career, Lew earned the distinguished title of master shipbuilder.
Lew also earned an MBA from George Washington University while maintaining his status as a professional engineer. But hobbies and passions were also part of Lew’s everyday life. For many years, Lew studied karate with Sensi T. Ogowa, where he achieved a 3rd degree black belt while participating in many competitive tournaments. Lew, as an avid runner, competed in many local events and was also an antique motorcycle and car enthusiast. When there was not a tool in Lew’s hand, there was always a book in the other. All genres, especially western fiction and non-fiction, were part of his everyday love of reading.
Lew, a loving husband and father is survived by his loving wife, Janis; loving daughter and apple of his eye, Janis Dixon Pristera, and her husband, Brian Pristera; sister, Elaine of Pennsylvania, sister-in-law, Linda; and nephews, John and Joseph Salzman of New York.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, at Nelsen Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at noon, Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the CCM Walsingham Chapel on Richmond Road, immediately followed by interment in Peninsula Memorial Park, Warwick Blvd., Newport News.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
