A silver and blue balloon archway graced the front of the Olde Vets Hall on Saturday with three balloons reading, “100”.
Under the archway were an array of certificates, awards, trophies and two fire hats — all belonging to Dixon resident Oakley Dexter.
The man of the hour, Dexter sat in his reserved seat, greeting all the attendees of his 100th birthday party. Some of those special guests included Dixon Mayor Steve Bird, Dixon Fire Chief Todd McNeal and two of his companies, Marin Fire Chief Ruben Martin, plus those who threw the party for him.
Two couples, stationed at Travis Air Force Base met Dexter when they volunteered to help clean up his yard. When they heard his life story and that he was turning 100, they knew they wanted to help give back to a man who has given so much of himself to his country and his community.
Francis and Gabe Perez as well as Nick and Liz Jaeger started a GoFundMe to raise money to throw a birthday party for Dexter, plus to raise enough money to finish his yard cleanup.
The GoFundMe has currently raised $2,444.
A large spread of food and beverages were available for guests: Cupcakes donated by Sam’s Club of Vacaville, bagels donated by Safeway of Dixon and Noah’s Bagels of Vacaville, coffee courtesy of Dutch Bros of Dixon, as well as doughnuts donated by Dunkin of Suisun.
A series of organizations had certificates to gift Dexter. Gabe Perez emceed this formal portion of the party.
As he named all of the party’s donors, Gabe told Dexter he had been given 15 free meal cards from Chick-fil-A in Vacaville.
“If you need a ride sir, you can always call me to get some of the Lord’s chicken,” joked Gabe.
Gabe went over some of Dexter’s greatest achievements in his century of life. Born in 1923 in San Francisco, Dexter joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1942, where he served as an Aerial Photographer and later a Radio/Radar Technician. During his service he was also a Radio Systems Instructor.
After leaving the Army, Dexter opened his own radio repair shop in Larkspur. He also spent 60 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Larkspur Fire Department.
Dexter also revitalized the American Legion Post 313, established the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce and became its first President, was President of the Larkspur Lions Club and served as the Sunday School Superintendent of the Redwood Presbyterian Church.
The first gift presented to Dexter was a certificate of appreciation from U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson.
Mayor Bird read a proclamation from the Dixon City Council recognizing Dexter’s contributions and service.
He was also given certificates from Major David Chan of Travis Air Force Base, Chief Martin, Redwood Presbyterian Church and more.
Gerald Gordon of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 84 of Vacaville told attendees a story about going through a list to see which veterans were still living. He called Dexter and seeing the age 99, did not expect anyone to pick up the phone.
Dexter did answer the phone, however. He and Gordon spoke and connected over their love of repairing old radios. Gordon said Dexter has a phenomenal, sharp mind and has endless stories.
A friend of Dexter’s said they have an “Old Man Group” that meets in Dixon.
“We get together and tell stories, some of which are true,” he joked. “The first thing I do when I get to our meetings is see if Dexter is still alive.”
After he had received his gifts, Dexter spoke to the crowd.
“I never, ever expected anything like this,” said Dexter. “I am very blessed in that my brain still works very well. I can go way back and remember.”
He told the story of his childhood up until high school. After he graduated, he joined the Army around the time of Pearl Harbor.
His daughters thanked everyone for coming to support their father and told Dexter how much they loved and appreciated him.
Gabe closed out the ceremony by telling Dexter, “May God bless you and may God bless America.”
A large silver and blue cake reading “Happy 100th Birthday Oakley” with stars was rolled out. Guests sang ‘Happy Birthday’. Dexter blew out three large numbered candles, reading “100”.
As guests enjoyed a slice of cake, Dexter munched on a Dunkin doughnut and sipped a glass of orange juice. He chatted with friends and family with his daughters by his side.
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