Obituary: Milburn J. Dixon, Square Dance Caller-Teacher at Great Plain Squares in Needham

Obituary from Barile Family Funeral Homes:

Milburn J. Dixon, 88, of Reading, passed away Dec. 11, 2013 at home surrounded by his family. 

Born in Billerica, Milburn (known as Mil) was the son of the late George M. and Anna (Hart) Dixon. Milburn was husband of Anna (Keenan) Dixon, whom he married 62 years ago. 

Mil and his wife, Anna, purchased their home in Reading in 1967, where they raised their six children. They were very active in the community. Mil became a member of the Knight of Columbus in Manchester in 1951. Upon arrival in Reading in 1967, he transferred his membership to the Reading Council #1031 where he was still currently active.

Mil's career was all about being a teacher and/or administrator for many years. His specialty was biology, science and math. High school students in Manchester By the Sea, North Easton, Midland Park, N.J., Mahwah, N.J., Canton, Conn., and Winchester were treated to his knowledge of the subject, inventive lessons, firm yet fair discipline, and requirements to smile. He was an involved educator and fought for teacher rights. Mil was the President of the Manchester and Winchester [teachers] Educational Associations.

Mil has square danced, and/or called and taught square dancing for close to 42 years. He and his wife became members of the Checkmates Square Dance Club in 1967, and soon were involved as dance leaders and club presidents. Mil began his square dance calling career at age 46. He was caller-teacher for three adult clubs in Massachusetts - Cosmopolitans SDC in Wakefield, Calico Steppers in Lawrence and Great Plain Squares in Needham, and four teen clubs - Checknights in Reading, Rainbow Strollers in Winchester, Dynomite Squares in Stoneham and Sachems in Saugus. Since 1971, he volunteered to call at 41 consecutive New England Square & Round Dance Conventions. From 1986 to 2010, he taught, called, and cued for seniors at the Jenks Center and for the HYA, handicapable young adults, in Winchester. 

Mil and his wife were members of Tri-State Callers Association, North of Boston Callers Association, The New England Folk Festival Association ACCORD Round Dance Association, CALLERLAB, and the Square Dance Foundation of New England. He held many offices including president of the Tri-State Callers Association, chairman of the North of Boston Callers Association, chairman of NECCA and first gentleman of the Square Dance Foundation of New England, Inc. 

He leaves his children Marla, Roberta, Jonathan, Amy, Diana and Gregory; his grandchildren Eileen, Christine, Laura, Melissa, Stephen, Patrick, Michael, Peter, Catherine, Sean, Daniel, Jessica, Lisa and Ryan; and his great-grandchildren Alexander and Victoria. He was preceded in death by his brothers Russel and Kevin.

Internment at St. Bernard's Cemetery, Concord.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Milburn by making donations in his memory to Square Dance Foundation of New England, Inc. (SDFNE) ATTN: F. Turgeon 9 Carleton St. Lawrence, MA 01843-1150.