Richard Lee Dix,

Richard Lee Dix, age 75, of Jackson and formerly of Irondale, passed away Friday, February 3, 2023 at his home.

He was born October 31, 1947 near Bonne Terre, the son of Vernon Lee and Jennie Orzel Dix. Richard married Lois “Elaine” Lawson McClain February 5, 1982.

Richard was a graduate of Leadwood High School in St. Francois County. Following graduation he attended automobile mechanics school at Bailey Technical in St. Louis. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War having enlisted in the United States Army on June 13, 1966. While in the service he was assigned to the 1st Air Calvary Division where he attained the rank of Tech Sergeant and was honorably discharged February 22, 1969.

Richard was industrious and a self-starter, having owned and operated several businesses, including Big River Package Store and L & L Farm and Auto Sales in Irondale. His true passion came from working the farm that he and his wife Elaine purchased. They raised Angus cattle for many years and Richard built many of the barns and sheds on the property from the cedar trees on the farm.

He was a member of the VFW at Desloge and the Disabled American Veterans. He also was a longtime member of the St. James Catholic Church in Potosi.

Loving survivors include his wife of 40 years, Elaine of Jackson; two sons, Jimmy (Beth) McClain of Leopold and Fred Gottman of Columbia; two grandchildren, Henry and Ben McClain; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tony (Lynn) Lawson of Park Hills; and a dear friend Janet Sprehe of Tampa, Florida.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, James (Pauline) Rice and Dottie Hoover.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 A.M. on Saturday, February 11th, 2023 at St. James Catholic Church in Potosi with Father Rodger Fleming officiating.

Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Desloge with full Military Honors.

Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Diabetes Association.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.