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SIKESTON - Gary W. Bixler, 63, died May 5, 2010, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau after a 21-month fight with pancreatic cancer.
Born Aug. 5, 1946, in Cape Girardeau, Gary was the son of Anna Mae Bixler of Sikeston and the late Milton Bertie Bixler.
On June 25, 1971, in Matthews, he married Louanna Sutton. Gary served in the National Gaurd. In October 2007, he retired from the Sikeston Power Plant where he had been employed for 26 years.
In addition to his wife and mother, Gary is survived by one son, Timothy Bixler of Columbia; one daughter and son-in-law, Angie and James Barber of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Samuel Barber. Other surviving family include: two brothers and sister-in-law, Harley and Joan Bixler of Canalou and Cordell and Jolene Bixler of Springfield; one sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Don Logan of New Orleans; and many nieces and nephews who he adored. Gary also leaves a wonderful church family at Sikeston First Assembly of God, where he was a long-time member.
In life, Gary was most joyful when surrounded by his family. He loved hunting and fishing with his brothers, son and nephews, and enjoyed cooking and entertaining for friends and family.
Visitation will be held at the First Assembly of God Church from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 7, where funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with his brother-in-law, the Rev. Don Logan, officiating. He will be assisted by his nephew, the Rev. Alan Bixler and the Rev. Dwayne Maynard, pastor of First Assembly of God Church.
Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston. Pallbearers will be: James Barber, Paul Bixler, Paul Gillean, Rick Green, Merlin Hagy, Karl Klimmeck, Kenny Pinkerton and Ray Sellers.
Honarary pallbearers will be: Jerry Alexander, Jackie Bixler, James Roy Bixler, Collie Crouthers, Desmond Fisk, Bill Reid and Gerald Sitz.
Blanchard Funeral Chapel of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.
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Contributions may be made to:
Gary Bixler Memorial
n/c First Assembly of God Church
306 S. Kingshighway
Sikeston, MO 63801
or
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
332 N. Lauderdale
Memphis, TN 38105
Thursday, May 6, 2010 Standard Democrat
