Michael Lawrence Dixon I

Reverend Dr. Michael "Mike" Lawrence Dixon I, 57, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away Friday, August 19, 2016, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Michael was born April 29, 1959, on Hempstead, Long Island, New York, the son of Reverend Alvin Dixon, the late Patricia Ann (Richardson) Dixon and the Late Reverend Dr. James Adam Howard Sr. Michael was united in marriage to Tanya D. Carter and raised three children. He attended school in the Kansas City area, Horace Mann Elementary, and was a 1977 graduate of Manual High School. He was a graduate of Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri with a BS Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. He obtained his Doctorate in Philosophy Degree from Christian Bible College and Seminary in Family Guidance and Counseling and Doctor of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling. Michael served his country in the United States Army from 1981 through 1987. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with the 101st Airborne, Air-Assault Unit. He worked for the Missouri Department of Correction (MDOC) for 30 years as a Captain at the Missouri State Penitentiary and a Training Instructor at the MDOC Training Academy from which he retired. He was a Pastor at New Jerusalem Church in Fulton, Missouri, Dunnavant Chapel in Jefferson City, Missouri, and Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Centralia, Missouri. He was also the Assistant Secretary for Dr. Donald Ray McNeal, J.D., Executive Secretary of the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Missouri from 2004 until 2006. Michael was the Founder and Bishop of Open Gates Ministries. Although a member of Paseo Baptist Church since childhood, he attended Quinn Chapel A.M.E. under Reverend Dr. Cassandra Gould, Pastor, in Jefferson City, Missouri. Michael was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Jefferson City Alumni Chapter, a Mason in the Pythagoras Lodge #86, 33rd Degree, a member of the Shrine's Koran #33, and Past Worthy Patron of the Sheba Chapter #18 Order of the Eastern Star, Kansas City, Kansas. Michael was awarded the Rank of Eagle Scout from the Boys Scouts of America. He loved playing with his three grandsons, watching football, cars, singing, and talking to friends and family. Reverend Dr. Michael Lawrence Dixon I leaves to cherish his memories, his father, Reverend Alvin Dixon (Sharon); his mother, Verline Howard; his lovely wife of 37 years, Tanya D. Dixon; one son, Michael L. "Larry" Dixon II (Cara) of Jefferson City, Missouri; two daughters, Enjoli Jovan J. Dixon Coleman (Tyrone) of Jefferson City, Missouri and Monique Michelle Dixon of Independence, Missouri; one God-daughter, Olivia N. Carlock of Sedalia, Missouri; three grandchildren, Carter Edward Lawrence Taylor, August Booker Dixon and Kennedy Lawrence Necilo Coleman, all of Jefferson City, Missouri; brothers, Bishop Elect James A. "Jimmie" Howard Jr. (Mary) of Jefferson City, Missouri, Reverend James Randolph "Randy" Howard, Reverend Dr. Adrain M. Howard (Cassandra), Reverend Edward "Eddie" Howard (Donnetta), Patrick Howard, Ryan Howard, Richard Pruitt, Alvin Dixon Jr., and Roy Benton, all of Kansas City, Missouri; sisters, Bernice Dixon of Phoenix, Arizona, Betty Dixon Stone, Alice Lee, Joy Howard, Meagan Howard, Andrea (Andy) Stone, Gloria Patterson, and Sandra Johnson all of Kansas City, Missouri; two step-brothers, Frederick Smith Jr., and Andre Smith; step-sisters, Angela Arrington and Laura "Lori" Smith; one uncle, Matthew Dixon of Kansas City, Missouri; three aunts, Marveline Jackson (Meryl) of Kansas City, Kansas, Darlene Jones of Pinole, California, and DeFreda Clemens of Kansas City, Missouri; father in-law, Booker T. Carter Sr., of Kansas City, Missouri; grandmother-in-law, Ruth Amelia Thurman Holliday of Jefferson City, Missouri; brother-in-laws, Booker T. "June" Carter Jr. (Karen), Kirk A. Carter (Joyce), Darryl B. Carter (Teresa), and Marvin E. Carter, all of Kansas City, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Evon R. Carter of Springfield, Missouri; dear friends, Maggie George, Charlie Wilson, Lonnie Landrum, Bishop Robbie, Cheryl Calkins, and Reverend Margaret Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia A. Dixon; father, Reverend Dr. James A. Howard Sr.; and brother in-law, Michael W. Carter, all of Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral Services for Reverend Dr. Michael Lawrence Dixon I will be held Saturday, August 27, 11:00 a.m., at New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, 2701 E. 43rd Street. Visitation will be held on Saturday August 27, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.