Walter Byron Dixon of Columbus, OH, age 82, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026 with his loved ones close to his heart. He was born on March 2, 1944, in Quincy, Massachusetts, and lived a life defined by humor, loyalty, and deep devotion to family and the Boston Red Sox.

Walter was a proud New Englander at heart and a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He often joked that being a Red Sox fan required a strong sense of humor—something he possessed in abundance. One of his favorite traditions was singing along to "Sweet Caroline," a beloved Fenway Park anthem, which always brought him joy and reminded those around him of his spirited love for the team. Known for his quick wit, warm smile, and a laugh that could light up any room, Walter brought joy and laughter to those around him, evidently.

Walter graduated from Murdock High School in Winchendon, Massachusetts, in 1962. He began his career by working 12 years at Colonial Press in Clinton, Massachusetts, followed by another 12 years at Arrow Composition in West Boylston, Massachusetts. In 1986, he moved to Columbus, Ohio, for family reasons and ultimately made it his home. There, he worked alongside his brother Ron at Insulation Specialty & Supply and later at Kraft Foods North America, where he remained until his retirement.

He held close the memory of his beloved late parents, Clara May and Byron Porter Dixon, as well as his beloved brother, Ronald Charles. He is survived by his beloved sister, Marsha Florence (Kevin) and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Family was the cornerstone of Walter's life. Though he never married or had children of his own, he cherished the time spent with his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, playing an important and loving role in their lives. He was known for never arriving empty-handed, often bringing a store-bought dessert to share with family—a simple but thoughtful gesture that reflected his generosity and love. You could often find Walter with one of his Ohio family members, including his sister-in-law Francy, his nieces and nephews Kristine (Nate), Nathan (Julie), Seth (Megan), and Kerry Sue (Eric), along with four great-nephews and five great-nieces. In his home state of Massachusetts he often spoke with Marsha and wished he had more time to visit her, and his nieces and nephews there - including Gail, Gary, Suzette, Mariah, and Chris - along with five great-nephews and seven great-nieces from their side. His extended family was vast, and his love for them was unwavering—he was truly an essential bond that held them all together.

Walter also found joy in the everyday connections he made with others. During his final year at The Village of Westerville, he was known for sharing clementines with friends, enjoying shenanigans and offering meal suggestions—like Shepherd's pie—to the cooks, who often took his advice and happily served his ideas to the community. Walt never wavered in his ability to make friends throughout his life, showing compassion, laughter and kindness. He also made memories at several dog parks and many other social settings filled with good times. Walter had a special place in his heart for animals. He took great pride in caring for his fish and showing them off to anyone he could. And he is now reunited with his decade long companion dog, Big Duke.

Walter will be remembered as a kind, funny, deeply caring man and dedicated Boston Red Sox fan whose presence brought people together. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will live on in all who knew him.

In honor of his memory, a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Evan's Funeral Home, 4171 E. Livingston Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43227. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and reminisce on Walter's life and the joy he brought to others.

Walter's remains will be placed in a glass-covered niche in a mausoleum at Lithopolis Cemetery, 4365 Cedar Hill Road NW, Lithopolis, OH decorated by his loved ones with forever keepsakes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a charity Walter selected, You can help save animals today. | ASPCA.