Raymond D. Hixon, 79, of Claremont, died at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney.  Funeral services at  Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney. Burial in Antioch Cemetery with full military rites at the graveside.

Mr. Hixon was born February 9, 1934, in rural Claremont, the son of Charles and Cora (Atkins) Hixon. He married Barbara Allen on July 16, 1955, in Sumner. She survives.

Ray was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He enjoyed playing pinochle and checkers. He also enjoyed Western movies and novels. Ray was very active in community events. During the Christmas Holiday, Ray would dress up as Santa Claus, and at Easter he would organize the Claremont Easter Egg Hunt. Ray was a quiet gentleman and loving husband who was very proud of his kids and grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hixon; son, James Hixon and wife Lynette, of Robinson; son, Jerry Hixon and wife Gail, of Claremont; son, Mike Hixon and wife Rebekkah, of Willow Hill; son, Steve Hixon and wife Cheryl Bourgeois, of Claremont; son, Tom Hixon and wife Kathy, of Claremont; daughter, Patty Inyart and husband Jeff, of Claremont; 17 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; brother, Joe Hixon, of Lima, Ohio; brother, Roy Hixon, of Claremont; sister, Leona Mae Lucas, of Mattoon; and several nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Laurie Beth Hixon, brother, Charles Hixon Jr., brother, Marion Hixon, and brother, Jack Hixon.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)