Ernest Wesley Dixon

Ernest "Wesley" Dixon passed peacefully on the night of October 29th, 2026, at the age of 90, in Rio Rancho, NM. Born at home, on March 26th, 1936, in Mesilla, New Mexico, to Newell Clyde Dixon and Celia (Gutierrez) Dixon, Wesley began a remarkable life filled with ingenuity, adventure, enduring friendships, and devotion to his community.

Wesley possessed an unmistakable charisma, a sharp mind, and a strong, confident personality. Whether sharing a joke, catching up on the latest news and gossip, or reconnecting with an old friend, all in either English or Spanish, Wesley genuinely enjoyed the company of others. He valued his friendships deeply, cultivating relationships that endured throughout his life, remaining devoted to those fortunate enough to call him a friend.

Wesley was blessed with a younger brother, Richard. Their mother called Richard "Ricardo" but Wesley couldn't say it so he called his brother "Cado". It was a name that they would call each other for the rest of Richard's life.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Wesley was also a man of remarkable resourcefulness, independence, and ingenuity. To those who knew him, he was the man who could do just about anything with his hands. Whether practicing pharmacy, remodeling rental properties, building furniture, hand-loading his own ammunition, camping, horseback-riding, leading a horse packing caravan through the Gila Valley, weeding or dusting, he possessed an extraordinary combination of knowledge, practical skill, and determination. He lived a life rich in experiences and accomplishments.

Wesley attended Las Cruces High School before pursuing his education at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, beginning a long and accomplished career as a pharmacist, where he met his future life mate, Carolyn. In 1960, Wesley was drafted into the United States Army with his first duty station at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., before being stationed in Verona, Italy, a place that would remain a favorite throughout his life. It was during this time that Wesley married his college sweetheart, Carolyn, in Washington, D.C. While living in Verona, they welcomed their first child, daughter Terri Lynn. After returning to New Mexico, they welcomed their son, Ernest Newell, in Santa Fe.

From 1965 to 1985, he and Carolyn owned and operated Dixon's Pharmacy in Mesilla Park, NM, along with a coin shop, combining his professional expertise with his entrepreneurial spirit. From 1978 to 1982 and again in the early 2000's, he served as a trustee in Mesilla, New Mexico. He continued his career as a pharmacist at New Mexico State University Student Health Center. He was a man that could not endure empty time on his hands, though, so after retiring from NMSU, he came out of and reentered retirement a few more times at various retail locations, ultimately hanging his hat at Ben Archer Health Center.

It was Wesley's personality, friendships, and connections with people that made his life so meaningful. His confidence, humor, and unmistakable presence made him someone people remembered. Whether among friends, colleagues, neighbors, or family, Wesley had a way of making people feel that there was always another story to tell.

Wesley was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Dixon and brother, Richard "Red" Dixon. He is survived by his two children, daughter, Terri Lynn Dixon and son, Ernest Newell Dixon; his four grandchildren, Kristen Natharius, Pamela Sego, Benjamin Natharius, and Annalisa Dixon; his eight great-grandchildren, Alexander Wesley Robinson, JohnDavid Gonzales, Leif Sego, Bjorn Sego, Gunnar Sego, Bellossom Carr, Elizabeth Natharius, and Skylar Natharius; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of funeral services, we invite you to please privately celebrate Wesley's memory in your own ways or by donating to a charity of your choice. While there will be no traditional funeral services, a private family gathering will be held at a later date. Thank you for your support and understanding during this time.

All arrangements have been entrusted to French Funerals & Cremations, Albuquerque NM.