Bob Bixler

Robert (Bob) W. Bixler was born October 4, 1931 in Watonga, Oklahoma as the second child of Harvey and Bonnie (Temple) Bixler. He attended elementary and High school in Watonga. When the Korean Conflict broke out he was drafted in the Army and deployed to Korea with the 31st Infantry Regiment as a Combat Engineer. Upon completion of his military service Bob enrolled at the University of Oklahoma – Norman graduating with a Business Degree in 1956.

In 1954 he was united in marriage to Bonnie Sue Welch, ultimately residing in Tulsa, OK where they had two children (Doug and Roxanne). Bob worked for Bethlehem Steel Corporation in the Pipe and Tube Division until he relocated to Savannah, TN and began working at the Counce, TN Pipe Manufacturing Mill in 1969. He remained there until his retirement in 1992, devoting 23 years of faithful service. He enjoyed Deer and Duck Hunting, Golf, Dune-buggie activities and working on Volkswagen engines. In his retirement years he devoted his life to his faith, family, and friends. He attended the Spoken Word Church in Savannah, TN.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Sue Welch Bixler; a son, COL, USA (Ret.) Douglas H. Bixler and wife Melissa of Dawson, AL; a daughter, Roxanne Yvonne Willoughby and husband Tim of Savannah, TN; grandchildren, Joshua Bixler, Monica Dickson Lovelace, Christopher Bixler, Cristal Willoughby Fowler, Ryan Willoughby, and Linsee Willoughby Murphy, step grandchildren, Derrick and Catherine McCurdy, Melissa Welchel, Emily McCurdy and Laramie McCurdy; great grandchildren, Whitley and Westley Lovelace, Elijah Fowler, Gage, Grayson, Gavin, Brody and Kaden Bixler, Laila, Bryce, Orion and Indigo McCurdy, Jakub Nowak; and a great-great grandchild, Lila Welchel.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Warren and Bonnie Beatrice Temple Bixler and a brother C. Temple Bixler.

Memorial donations can be made to Spoken Word Church, 835 Clifton Road, Savannah, Tennessee 38372.