Duane C. Bixler

Duane Cole “Bix” Bixler, age 91 of Palisade, NE passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2020 at the Wauneta Care Center in Wauneta, NE.

Bix was born November 25th, 1928 on the C. C. Cole Ranch near Palisade, NE to parents Leroy A. and Thelma (Cole) Bixler. He lived with his parents and sister Bernice Claire on the Lewis A. and Ulrika (Peterson) Bixler homestead north of Hayes Center, NE. His early years were filled with farming, ranching and trading work with extended family, neighbors and friends.

Bix attended Hayes Center Schools and graduated Class of 1946. He expressed an intense curiosity and appreciation for knowledge and filled his spare moments diving into a crossword puzzle, Bible passage, sports page or historic novel. His participation in high school football, basketball, baseball and track expanded his circle of friends, and a summer evening baseball game against local rival Palisade led him to the love of his life, Darlene.

Bix married Darlene M. (Wilson) Bixler on August 20, 1950 at the Methodist Church in Palisade and they settled on the Bixler Family Farm. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 6, 1952 during the Korean War. He was an Air Policeman and served 18 months at Neubiberg Air Base in Germany where he served in the Occupation Forces and played on an Armed Forces football team, the Neubiberg Flyers, as both offensive end and linebacker. Returning stateside he became Staff Sergeant at Williams Air Force Base where he was twice awarded Airman of the Month and chosen to play on the Williams Field All Star Softball Team.

Bix was honorably discharged in February 1956 and returned to the Bixler Farm where he and Darlene worked and raised their three children, Beckey, Dorinda and Steven. Bix loved his family, and greatly enjoyed helping the kids in the community. He had a passion for black labs and black Angus cattle and created lifelong friendships with the Baldwin Family custom harvesters and Regis and Peters cattle buyers. He remained active in 4H, coached softball and American Legion, Midget and Little League baseball for over 16 years, and served as Timer in local track meets.  He was a devoted Huskers fan and his love for sports and natural athletic ability carried throughout his life as he continued to follow local teams. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman and served as a NOAA National Weather Service Cooperative Observer. He was a bowler and golfer and helped to restore the Hayes Center Golf Course.

Bix served as a member and trustee of the Congregational Church of Hayes Center and is a member of the Palisade Methodist Church. He was a Member and Past Master of the Palisade Masonic Lodge #216 and received his 70 year honors from McCook Masonic Lodge #135 in May 2020. He was also Past Patron of the Order of Eastern Star of Palisade, member of the Tehamah Western Shrine Club and York Rite. He was a 50+ year member of the American Legion Post #287, a lifetime member of the VFW, and ASCS board member for many years.

In 1985 he became Ranger and Maintenance man at Camp Maha and he and Dar moved near Papillion, NE. In 1992, they began a new journey in Estes Park, CO managing the Tyrol Motor Inn where Bix also worked at the Villager Restaurant. They made their home in Palisade, NE for the remaining years of life where Bix continued to help friends with cattle and harvest.

Throughout his life Bix enjoyed people and loved to make them laugh. He never knew a stranger and believed a good “ole” farmer handshake was as good as a written contract. He treasured his family and together with Darlene welcomed his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with open arms,

supporting them with pride in their scholarly, athletic and life pursuits. He had a special connection with his Creator, his country, nature, and the seasons. The sound of rain was his favorite kind of music.

Bix was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Darlene Bixler; and his sister, Bernice Claire Bixler. Those left to celebrate his life include his son, Steven Bixler of Palisade; daughters, Beckey Young of Honolulu, HI and Dorinda Bixler of Vancouver, British Columbia and Palisade; three grandchildren, Kaeli, Karyn and Cole; three great grandchildren, Joseph, Oakleigh and Lincoln; and a wealth of extended family, neighbors and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday August 27 at 10:30 A. M. at the Palisade Methodist Church with Pastor Elias Mukindia officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Hayes Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed in Bix’s Name for future designation and may be sent to Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, c/o the Bixler Family, PO Box 476, McCook, NE 69001.