Melvin G. Bixler

May 5, 1926 - July 2, 2012

Melvin G. Bixler, 86, Berne businessman, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, July 2, 2012 at his home. He was born to Benjamin and Iva Belle (Harden) Bixler on May 5, 1926 in Geneva, In. He married Joan (Baumgartner) Bixler on June 16, 1946 and recently celebrated their 66th year of marriage.

He was a member of the West Missionary Church. Melvin was an agent for Bixler Insurance, Inc. for more than 45 years. Melvin was a veteran of WW II serving in the U.S. Navy from 1944-46 and was a member of the Geneva VFW Post #6751 as a Life Member. He was an avid golfer and golf club collector. Mel also enjoyed restoring Model "A" Fords, woodworking and gardening. He mastered the art of conversation and never met a stranger. He had a friendly smile, a great sense of humor, and loved a good, friendly argument.

Survivors include; his wife, Joan, sons, Doug (Janet) Bixler of Berne, Greg (Kristin) Bixler of Zionsville, In., Mark (Ann) Bixler of Decatur, and daughters, Linda (Phil) Liechty of Lewiscenter, Oh., Cheryl Terhune of Ft.Wayne, Deb Singleton of Decatur, and Nancy (John) Schindler of Houston, Tx. There are 23 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Preceding in death are his parents, brother, Herman Bixler, sister, Margaret Fenstermaker, and half brother, Wayne Glendening.

Funeral services are Friday, July 6, at 2 PM at the West Missionary Church with visitation 1 hour prior to services. Visitation also Thursday from 2 to 8 pm at the Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home. Officiating is Pastor Keith Rupp.

Burial at the West Lawn Cemetery, Geneva with military rites by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Geneva Post #6751.

Preferred memorials are to Family Life Care, West Missionary Church, and/or the Honor Flight of Indiana.

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