John Robert Hixson

John passed away peacefully at his home in Des Moines, Washington, with his family at his side, on Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 at the age of 85. John was born in Seattle, Washington on February 19th, 1925 and spent his childhood growing up at the base of Queen Anne Hill with his siblings, Luther, Helen and Katherine. After graduating from Queen Ann high school in Seattle, Washington in 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, serving in the Pacific campaign as an Air Transportation Technician. He spent much of World War II in New Guinea, earning two combat stars for the Pacific Campaign for serving in combat zones. After the war, he returned home in 1946 and attended Seattle University under the GI Bill, driving a cab part time to help pay his expenses. Upon graduation from Seattle University in 1952, he went to work for Pan American World Airways, starting out in cargo and working his way into management in Passenger Services. John married Ethel F. Sundberg on June 6th, 1956. Ethel had two children from a previous marriage, Larry and Carroll and later John and Ethel had two sons John Jr. and Doug. John retired from Pan American World Airways in 1980, but not before he and his family traveled extensively throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Central America and Asia, as well as numerous trips to Hawaii. In 30 years of retirement, John and his wife Ethel enjoyed trips to Europe, but also spent much of their time traveling in the Northwest and across much of the United States. In later years, John and Ethel kept a winter home in Surprise, Arizona and lived in the Puget Sound area during the summer. John loved visiting with his family, travel, the outdoors, books, movies, and was an avid aviation and military history enthusiast and enjoyed visiting historical sites and museums. In all, John leaves behind his wife of 54 years, 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. John will be remembered fondly for his tales of adventure, his humor, and zest for life.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 30th at 12:00 at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home located at 6701 30th Avenue S.W., Seattle, Washington, 98126. 206-932-0050.