Robert Kenwood Nixon, Sr.

He was born to Paul and Ruth Nixon in 1936 in Des Moines, IA, the oldest of three boys. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1959 and received his Masters in 1970 from Temple University. He devoted 20 years of service to his country and the United States Marine Corps from 1959 through 1979. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ron, grandson Zachary and nephew Blake.

In 1958 he married the love of his life, Donna Rae Ploth of Dunlap, IA. They had three wonderful sons who survive him: Rick and wife Susy of Powder Springs, GA, Rob and Kris of Arvada, CO, and Randy and Karen of The Broadlands, VA. He is also survived by one brother, Bill and wife Hazel of Conroe, Texas as well as 5 grandchildren: Jeremy, Farrah, Andrew, Ryan and Meghan.

Bob served in Vietnam and received numerous commendations throughout his career including the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Citation. An avid volleyball player and coach, he was a member of the USVBA Masters Volleyball World Champions in 1997 and 1999. Unable to keep up due to his illness, Bob continued to share his passion with the sport by coaching at Twin Rivers Volleyball Club until health concerns prevented him from further participation. He was active in the Southern Gentlemen, Home Owners Association and his community. He enjoyed the outdoors, sharing his love of motorcycles, fishing, camping and hiking with his family and friends. Bob loved sports and reveled in most anything that involved teamwork. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others both as a teacher and coach. While on the staff of the Navy ROTC at the University of Louisville, he also taught in the undergraduate School of Business and the Graduate School of Engineering.

Viewing and visitation for Bob will be held on Thursday, June 21 at 1 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 309 New St. Service will follow at 2 p.m. with graveside service and internment immediately after at Greenleaf Memorial Park, 900 River Road.

In lieu of flowers, Bob requested donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 158517, Topeka, KS 66675 or [email protected].

Online condolences may be made to the Nixon family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.