Tulsa World: Organist, choirmaster E. Farrell Dixon dies

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Organist, choirmaster E. Farrell Dixon dies

BUSY MUSICIAN
E. Farrell Dixon: In addition to his church positions, he taught at Monte Cassino School and was a staff organist for Stanleys Funeral Service.

By Staff Reports
Published: 11/30/2009 2:30 AM
Last Modified: 11/30/2009 5:50 AM

E. Farrell Dixon, an organist and choirmaster, died Friday. He was 71.

A wake is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and a funeral Mass for 10 a.m. Wednesday, both at Holy Family Cathedral. Services are under the direction of Stanleys Funeral Home.

Dixon was born Feb. 7, 1938, in Stroud to John and Marcia Dixon. He began his college education in 1956 at Oklahoma Baptist University but later transferred to the University of Oklahoma, from which he graduated in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in organ and church music.

In 1963 he accepted a position with Grace Episcopal Church in Ponca City, where he performed in recitals and plays.

He was later appointed the organist and choirmaster for St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Oklahoma City and then St. John's Episcopal Church in Tulsa. He played in recitals around Tulsa and at Trinity Episcopal Church.

In 1980, he earned his service playing certificate from the American Guild of Organists. Dixon played for many memorable occasions such as the consecration of Tulsa Bishop Edward Slattery, the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher Masses, Diocesan Choir concerts and the Mass of Thanksgiving for the Monsignors.

He also taught at Monte Cassino School for 19 years and was the staff organist for Stanleys Funeral Service for 34 years.

Dixon also enjoyed gardening, home improvements, travel and entertaining at home.

His "love for his family is even bigger" than his musical work, said his granddaughter Kara.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo Dixon; three brothers, Dwight, Floyd and Curtis Dixon; two sons, Gregg Sparks and Larry Hobbs; three daughters, Alecia Gatewood, Julie Reish and Laura Williams; 14 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. By Staff Reports

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	Report Comment mayor_maynot, Tulsa (11/30/2009 3:07:18 AM) A wonderful man. I have heard his work. Not just a conductor also able to stand up for what is right. It's gonna be hard to find one who will fully fill his shoes. My condolences to immediate and extended family. He will be missed.
	Report Comment SRV, (11/30/2009 9:34:09 AM) Godspeed.
	Report Comment Few Clothes, America (11/30/2009 11:53:51 AM) Condolences to his family.
	Report Comment lew ayers jr, shawnee ok (11/30/2009 6:31:23 PM) my god bless you sorry for your loss. he will be missed by all of us

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