Donald Frank Hixson

Donald Frank Hixson, 79, died with dignity and peace, surrounded by his family on January 24, 2016. Services will be held Friday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, IA. Family will greet friends on hour prior to the service and following the service.

Don was born June 24, 1936 in Chariton, IA to Esther (Blankenburg) and Robert Hixson. He graduated from Corydon High School in 1954 and in 1955, Labor Day weekend, he moved to Des Moines. Shortly after his move, Don met Jean Marie Welp from Bancroft, IA. They were married 8 months later. He was in love with her for over 59 years. Don spent his working years in the gas station industry and in various auto parts businesses, including part ownership of Teater’s Auto Supply in Highland Park.

As for his free time, Don was a devoted husband and father - the voice of authority and mentor to his children and the children in the neighborhood. He was loved and respected and could not go anywhere without running into someone that he knew. He was the mild mannered, strong silent type and people were drawn to him. He was a genius with cars and helped many of his neighbors with theirs. He also enjoyed woodworking.

Left to cherish his memory, his wife of 59 years, Jean Hixson; his children, Deb Stuetelberg, Rosanne Lossner, Donald R. (Kim) Hixson, and Lisa (Lance) Ballew; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Maggie (Dean) Malone, Robert (Sharon) Hixson, Lavona Hixson, Donna (Larry Foster) Hixson, Diane (Gary) Webster; brothers-in-law, Wimp Brown and Kevin Mersch; and sister-in-law, Sonja Hixson. Don was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Janis Brown and Sharon Mersch; his brother, Ronald Hixson; son-in-law, Randy Lossner; and nephew, Phil Brown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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