Melvin G. Bixler
Melvin G. Bixler, 86, Berne businessman, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, July 2, 2012 at his home. He was born on May 5, 1926 in Geneva to Benjamin and Iva Belle (Harden) Bixler. He was married on June 16, 1946 to Joan Baumgartner.
He was a member of the West Missionary Church. He was an agent for Bixler Insurance, Inc. for more than 45 years. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946 and was a member of the Geneva VFW Post #6751 as a Life Member. He was an avid golfer and golf club collector. He 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.
He is survived by his wife; three sons, Doug (Janet) Bixler of Berne; Greg (Kristin) Bixler of Zionsville; and Mark (Ann) Bixler of Decatur; four daughters, Linda (Phil) Liechty of Lewiscenter, Ohio; Cheryl Terhune of Fort Wayne; Deb Singleton of Decatur; and Nancy (John) Schindler of Houston, Texas; 23 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Herman Bixler; sister, Margaret Fenstermaker; and half-brother, Wayne Glendening.
Visitation will be from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 5 at Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home in Berne and one hour prior to the 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Friday, July 6 at the West Missionary Church in Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Keith Rupp. Burial will take place at the West Lawn Cemetery in Geneva.
Military rites will be provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Geneva Post #6751.
Memorials may be made to Family LifeCare, West Missionary Church, or the Honor Flight of Indiana.
Arrangements provided by Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home in Berne. Sign the guest book online at yagerkirchhofer.com.
