SHELBURN, Ind. – Wayne Dix, 93, of Shelburn, Ind. passed away on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at home with his wife and children by his side. Wayne, an only child, was born at home to Herbert Hudson Dix and Dollie Jane Pittman Dix.
He graduated in 1947 from Fairbanks Schools and joined the United States Air Force in Salma, Alabama. Wayne was fortunate to have had the opportunity to play on the USAF traveling basketball team and later was an instructor of radar operators. He received an honorable discharge in 1959. Wayne was a member of the Shelburn Legion.
Wayne enjoyed a varied professional career. His first job was as the huckster truck driver in Shelburn, IN. He then worked for Philips Shoe Store and McMillan Sports In Terre Haute as a salesman. He and his family moved to Valparaiso, IN, and lived there for 30 years.
Wayne was the founder and co-owner of Dix Enterprises Inc. with his wife Alice For 40 years. He was very grateful for the longtime service and support of their plant foreman, Tom Kennedy, and his wife, Karol. The company was an athletic equipment conditioner, sports protective equipment manufacturer, and the Indiana distributor of Resolite wrestling mats. Its final location was in Carlisle, IN. The company employed 25 people at its peak.
Wayne was the company’s primary salesperson and inventor. He sold sports equipment to high schools and universities in five midwestern states, including Purdue and Indiana Universities. He invented and held the patent for the WD Rebounder, which basketball coaches used to train players to rebound missed shots.
Wayne was an avid freshwater fisherman and a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He and Alice were fortunate to have been able to enjoy many successful fishing trips together, especially during the winter months near Leesburg, FL.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Dolly and Herbert Dix; and several aunts, uncles, and dear friends such as Ross and Norma Wyman.
Wayne’s legacy family includes his wife of 60 years, Alice Bailey Dix; 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Jay and wife Dana Dix, and Andy and Kathy Dix; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-children, and one great-great-grandchild on the way in late July.
Services were set for 1:00 p.m., on Monday, January 10, 2022; held at the Westlawn Cemetery in Farmersburg, with Rev. Don Ransford officiating. Visitation will be from noon until the time of services, all held at the Chapel in the Westlawn Cemetery. The Sullivan County Honor Guard will give military services. Holmes Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
Wayne’s family requests small live planters and no cut flowers.
