Jerry Eugene Hixenbaugh, 80, of Galena, died Friday, July 23, 2021. Born December 29, 1940 in Cherokee County, Jerry was the son of James Samuel and Cecil Gertrude (Burkeybile) Hixenbaugh. They preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by siblings, James Giddens, Anna Hixenbaugh Reed, Juanita Giddens Rogers, Josephine Hixenbaugh Frazier, George Henry Hixenbaugh, Sonny Hixenbaugh; as well as a host of extended family and friends.
Jerry lived in the Galena area all of his life. He was a graduate of Riverton High School with the class of 1958. Jerry worked in maintenance and retired in 2003 after 32 years with Tamko Building Products. He was of the Catholic Faith.
Jerry and Barbara Dake were united in marriage December 30, 1971 in Joplin, Mo. Together they spent 49 precious years together before his passing.
Jerry was an avid fisherman and loved to travel and visit historical sights and museums. He proudly served his county in the Army Reserve and Naval Reserve. Jerry was a member of the Cato Preservation Association, George Washington Carver National Monument and the Galena Mining and Historical Museum. Above all, Jerry loved his family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his world.
Jerry cherished the time spent and memories created with his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends. His presence will be missed, but never forgotten.
In addition to his wife, Jerry is lovingly survived by children, Machelle Dake Smith (Howard), William Walker (Misty), James Samuel Hixenbaugh II; grandchildren, his favorite granddaughter Alexanderia Dake Schwatken (Ryan), Brandon Smith, Dylan Smith, Joseph Dale, Kohl Dale; great grandchildren, Aria Dake, Gaberilla Wicker, Emma Schwatken, Sylas Wicker; siblings, Betty Hixenbaugh Shallenburger and June Hixenbaugh Murray.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 29, at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Mo. Reverend Charles (Chaz) Dunn will officiate. Interment will follow at Lowell Cemetery in Baxter Springs. A rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening at the mortuary with visitation to follow.
Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers are Leon Wammack, Danny Wammack, Al Danner, Ron Townsend, Homer Hamilton, Randy Benford, Dave Spitler, Wyman Spriggs, Leroy Allen, Tom Wilhite, Birdsall Keeton, Ron Scott, Shane Scott, and Marty New.
Lunch will be served at the First Christian Church, 10th and Main, in Galena, at 1p.m. everyone is invited.
For those attending visitation and services, the family requests that masks be worn to protect yourself and others and to please observe social distancing.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Parker Mortuary.