Robert J. (Spike) Dixon, 89, of Urbana died at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Provena Covenant Medical Center.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2009 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana; the Rev. Ed Logan will officiate. Entombment will be in Mt. Hope Mausoleum, Champaign. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Mr. Dixon was born April 10, 1920 in Champaign to Joseph C. and Hazel F. Nobel Dixon. He married Lucille (Lucky) Havens January 24, 1945. She preceded him in death July 29, 1998.

He is survived by two daughters, Sheila (Dick) Dunn of Urbana and Sandy (Cal) Buenting of Mahomet; two sons, John (Elaine) Dixon of Florida and Tim Dixon of Champaign; a sister, Mary Dixon Seaton of Champaign; five grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

He served in the Navy from 1941 to 1945 in the Pacific on the USS Whale submarine and later on the USS Roncodor submarine.

Mr. Dixon was involved in track and baseball during his high school years. After serving his country, he returned to Champaign where he continued playing softball, first for the Champaign Moose Lodge. He then played for the Grill CafAC. Team which were 1956 State Champs. He also played for the Mahomet Merchants Team which were 1964 Sate Champs and at which time he was named All State First Baseman.

Mr. Dixon was employed as a meat cutter at Swift and also owned and operated Bob's Janitor Service. He was a life member of the U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II; a life member of the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc.; 50-year Holland Club Life Member; a life member of the V.F.W. Post 5520 and a member of the American Legion Post 24.

Memorials may be made to Provena Covenant Hospice Care Program, 1400 W. Park St., Urbana, IL 61801.