Visitation for ex-US Sen. Dixon set for Sunday

BELLEVILLE - Visitation is Sunday for former U.S. Sen. Alan Dixon of Illinois.

Dixon died July 6 at his home in Fairview Heights. He was 86.

The Democrat's career in politics spanned more than 40 years in public office. He was in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 1993, serving as the third-ranking Democrat. He also chaired a subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee.

Visitation will be Sunday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lindenwood University's auditorium in Belleville.

The funeral will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the same location. Among those expected to speak are U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, former Illinois Gov. Jim Thompson and Gene Callahan, Dixon's former chief of staff.

A private burial for family and close friends will follow.