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Verner ‘Leon’ Hixon, 79

Sep 6, 2024

Blue Earth – A time for remembering and celebrating the life of Verner “Leon” Hixon, 79, of Blue Earth, MN, was held on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Hope United Methodist Church, Blue Earth. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Leon passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, at his home in Blue Earth with the music from “Amazing Grace” playing softly in the background. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Leon Hixon was born on April 24, 1945, in Covina, CA, the son of Charles Lamar and LaVerda “Terry” Hester (Smith) Hixon. Leon attended various schools throughout his youth before earning his diploma from Coachella Valley High School in Thermal, CA.

Leon enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Castle Air Force Base and worked as a B52 Simulator Specialist. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Leon went on to further his education attending Control Data Institute for Computer Technology where he studied printed circuit board layouts. He would go on to work as a Computer System Administrator for a health clinic in Portland, OR.

In 1966, Leon was united in marriage to Peggy Ann Gustafson. The couple were blessed with three daughters, Beatrice “Betty” Marie, Sherri Lynn, and Monita Rachelle. Leon and Peggy later divorced but Leon was blessed to find love again when he prayed for a “Godly woman” and met Rev. Judith A. Clark. Leon and Judy were married on June 16, 2007, in Emily, MN, and made their home in Aitkin, before later moving to Blue Earth, where they enjoyed country living on the river’s edge.

Faith was extremely important to Leon. As a high school sophomore while at Western Apostolic Bible College, Leon accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He was baptized and took to heart his biblical studies. After his marriage to Judy, he worked to become a United Methodist Lay Speaker and taught courses for lay speakers who were called to lead worship. Leon loved the history of the church and found great joy in dressing up in his 100 plus year-old frock coat to play the part of an early 1800’s Circuit Rider, even borrowing a horse to ride to the church or fairgrounds to make it more realistic. Their faith led Leon and Judy on a number of mission trips to South Korea, Kentucky, the Caribbean Islands, and Central America to help build schools and churches. The couple cherished many memories made traveling with their 31-foot travel trailer through most states and several Canadian providences.

Growing up in California, Leon didn’t get to experience the cold of winter but following his move to Minnesota, Leon welcomed the cold and the opportunity to go ice fishing where he shared his catch with his friends at the church. He was passionate about helping others, calling himself a “JOATMON” (jack of all trades and master of none). Leon was handy with woodworking and aspired to open a shop called “Fixin Hixon” where he could fix things, tinker, and also cook. He loved animals but had a special place in his heart for ‘Oreo” his shitzu and “Baby” cat, who’d nap with him. Leon had an infectious personality and had a smile that could light up a room. He loved celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and dressing up as a leprechaun.

Leon found great beauty in lighthouses and through the years amassed quite a collection. Leon and Judy also enjoyed traveling to lighthouses throughout the United States to see them and if possible, to climb their stairs and overlook the waters and shorelines their light protects. He was a member of Hope United Methodist Church and also a member of the Blue Earth American Legion where he was past commander.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Rev. Judith A. Clark; sister, Darlene (Darrell) Hatton; daughters, Beatrice “Betty” Marie, Monita Rachelle, and Sherrie Lynn; numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren; one stepson; one stepdaughter; step grandchildren; four sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; as well as other extended family and many friends.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law; a stepbrother; a half-brother; and a brother-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made in Leon’s name to your local hospice program.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net