Jerry Lee Hixon, 71, of Howard, CO passed away Saturday March 21st at his home, peacefully among family. Jerry was born, along with his twin, May 1st 1948 in Neodasha, KS. to Dale and Bonnie Hixon (Haines.) After graduating from Pawnee Rock High School in 1966 Jerry went on to attend college at Fort Hayes State in Hays, KS. After 2 years of college he then served 2 years in the US Army and was stationed in Washington D.C. at the Pentagon.
It was in D.C. he met his life-long love Sally Bierer of Connellsville, PA. They were married in 1970 shortly before returning to Hays, KS where Jerry finished college. Jerry graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Industrial Arts and Physical Education in 1972. His first career after college was teaching Industrial Arts and coaching Track and Field at Towanda High School in Towanda, KS.
In 1974 the mountains of Colorado were calling and Jerry and Sally moved to the place they have called home ever since in Howard, CO. Soon thereafter they opened Jerry’s Cabinet Shop that they operated in Howard until 2014. Jerry exhibited artistry through woodworking - sketching all his designs by hand and finishing his work with intricate care and detail. Many of his clients touted him as a valued artist. While Jerry was very well known for his skilled craftsmanship as a custom cabinet maker he also dabbled in various other businesses. These included Thatco Truss Company, Jerry the cattle rancher (for an afternoon,) the “Rocky Mountain Peckerhead Ranch,” an ostrich and rhea farm, a bit of real estate, and most recently Arlie Dale’s Jug Liquors in Salida, CO.
Aside from his strong entrepreneurial interests Jerry was known by clients, friends, and family as a legendary character! A merry prankster in his own right; he was always loaded with a bag of tricks and scheming for the next good laugh with a playful heart that expressed through an ear to ear grin. He was exceptionally known for his sense of humor and carefree attitude which, despite his illness with emphysema, he kept to his last breath. Jerry loved the outdoors and had many hobbies - RVing, waterskiing, riding motorcyles, and his ongoing work of stewardship on his property by the river in Howard, that he was so very proud of. He could often be found with his shirt off, lubed in suntan oil, cruising around on his lawnmower “piddling” with things as he liked to say.
He and Sally raised two children in Howard. He is survived by his wife Sally Hixon, son Chad (Angela) Hixon of Howard, daughter Ashley Hixon of Nederland, CO., brothers Jon (Karen) Hixon of Storm Lake, IA. Larry (Ronda) Hixon of Pawnee Rock, KS., sister Deana (Keith) Riemer of Lawerence, KS., and numerous nieces and nephews. He was deeply loved and is already missed, though his tales will live on through all who knew him. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. He is proceeded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Howard Volunteer Fire Department or Heart of the Rockies Home Health and Hospice. Letters, cards, or small items may be mailed to: Sally Hixon PO BOX 39 Howard, CO 81233 Arrangements were with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.