Robert (Bob) 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, Oklahoma where they had two children. Bob worked for Bethlehem Steel Corporation in the Pipe and Tube Division until he relocated to Savannah, Tennessee and began working at the Counce, Tennessee 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, Tennessee. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Sue Welch Bixler; a son, Douglas H. Bixler and wife Melissa of Dawson, Alabama; a daughter, Roxanne Yvonne Bixler Willoughby of Savannah, Tennessee; grandchildren, Josh Bixler, Monica Dickson Lovelace, Chris Bixler, Christal Willoughby Fowler, Ryan Willoughby, and Linsee Willoughby Murphy; step grandchildren, Derrick McCurdy, Katie McCurdy, Melissa Welchel, Emily McCurdy, and Larmie McCurdy; great grandchildren, Whitley Lovelace, Wesley Lovelace, Elijah Fowler, Gage Bixler, Grayson Bixler, Gavin Grayson, Brody Bixler, and Kaden Bixler; and a great 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. Graveside services for Mr. Bixler were Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Watonga, OK. Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga, OK
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