Richard Vance Hixson

November 5th, 2019 heaven gained one feisty, strong-willed, tough, and big-hearted angel. At the age of 82, Richard Vance Hixson entered eternal life after a valiant fight against numerous injuries. He passed peacefully surrounded by family, and with his beloved wife, of 61 years, right by his side.

Richard was born on Sunday, March 14th, 1937 in Richland, Iowa. He was born at home in the farmhouse to his loving parents, Merwin“Red” and Loueen Hixson. Richard was the first-born child. He was a risk-taker with a spirited and hard-headed personality from day one.

Living in a small mid-west town, Richard went to a one-room schoolhouse in Richland, where his own mother had the honor of teaching her spirited and hard-headed son. She would tell stories of how difficult it often was to teach her own child, let alone one with his personality. At a young age, Richard expressed his musical talent by playing the drums, accordion, and tuba. He grew up working on the farm, where his parents raised pigs and cows, and grew soy beans and corn.

At seven years old, Richard was promoted to big brother. Red and Loueen welcomed their second son, Meredith Elliot, November of 1945.

While raising their family, Red and Loueen were dedicated members of Bethel United Methodist Church. Richard and Deette developed a friendship at the young ages of 9 and 11 years old as their families were friends and they all attended the same church.

In July of 1952, the Hixson family welcomed a new addition, Jane Ellen. Richard was elated to have a baby sister at the age of 15. She was his pride and joy, carrying around Jane on his hip wherever he went.

As Richard and Deette’s friendship blossomed over the years, it was made very clear that Deette was not allowed to date until the age of 16. Being the chivalrous young man that Richard was, he respected Deette’s dad’s wishes and waited to begin their courtship until Deette was 16.

Richard and Deette lived 2 ½ miles from each other making it a quick drive for Richard to visit Deette, and also to get to work. He was employed on the farm that Deette’s parents owned and operated until he graduated high school in 1955. After high school, Richard was employed by Amana Manufacturing Co in Amana, IA. He worked there until he then switched jobs and was a proud employee of John Deere Implement Store in Sigourney, IA. It may be safe to say this was the beginning of his love for all things John Deere.

July 11th, 1958 Richard and Deette became one. They were married at the young ages of 18 and 21, but knew they were in it together, for better or for worse. After marriage, they bought a 150 acre farm and lived in a converted log cabin in Harper, IA. The cabin had no running water, no heat, and no bathrooms. The newly weds cooked on a wood stove, often went to shower at Deette’s parent’s house where there was a bathroom and running water, experienced snow drift inside the converted cabin during the long winter months, and welcomed their first born child, Brian Richard, July 26th 1959. Farming continued, and just ten months later, they welcomed their first daughter, Denielle Belva, June 11th, 1960.

In 1962, the Hixson family moved to a much more modern house. Shortly after the move, Red and Loueen decided to uproot and move to California. Richard and Deette then moved into Red and Loueen’s house, the house that Richard was born and raised in. This is the home they welcomed their third child, another daughter, Denise Ellen, June 9th, 1963.

Farming continued to be difficult, and the desire for better living became more and more of an interest for Richard. After many phone conversations with his father, Red, and a trip to California, they decided to make the big move to San Jacinto. The day before they began their long drive West, the farm house caught on fire. Richard, being the courageous man he was, ran back in the house in attempt to put the basement fire out. He nearly lost his life due to smoke inhalation.

In November of 1964, the five Hixson’s became permanent residents in the home Richard and Deette reside in today. After two months of California residency, Richard pursued a job as a lineman for General Telephone Electric, also known as GTE. June 9th, 1965 Richard and Deette welcomed their fourth and final child, Lavette Deette, the baby of the family.

In Richard’s free time, he worked for James Garner as a mechanic that worked on A.I.R. Cars. He enjoyed trips to Glamis where he hill climbed and raced Jeeps and dune buggies. He built up wrecked cars and restored one for each of his children to drive and also became a business partner, with Tommy Taylor, for Valley Industrial Sales.

Richard always stayed busy. Between his job, his family, church events, outings with friends, and his children’s sporting events, Richard was always on the go…just as he liked to be. He was a big supporter of San Jacinto High School as his children attended there, and was heavily involved at Grace Memorial Church.

In January 1992, Richard retired from GTE after 27 years of service, at the age of 55. After retirement, he found a love for anything John Deere and began the collection he is well known for today. He enjoyed attending John Deere Tractor Shows in various states, was a member of the San Jacinto Valley Cemetery Board of Directors, and was a City of San Jacinto Planning Commissioner. He and Deette traveled many places for NASCAR and enjoyed family camping trips as well. In more recent years, Richard began collecting old gas pumps and windmills. Collecting was one of his top favorite things to do.

Although Richard may have been tough on the outside, he was exceedingly soft on the inside. He was a man of faith, a risk-taker, generous, hard-working, loyal, kind-hearted, humble, trustworthy, a good confidant, a great keeper of many secrets, and a man of few words. He never wanted to be a burden or for anyone to ever worry about him. He loved his family deeply, and expressed his love through warm hugs, a listening ear, and great compassion towards others.

His parents, Merwin and Loueen Hixson, preceded Richard in death. Richard is survived by his beautiful wife, Deette, of 61 years. His children, Brian(Kathy) Hixson, Denielle(Tim) Abihider, Denise(Frank) Lourenco, Lavette(Chris) Skeeters. 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, brother Meredith(Rosalie) Hixson, and sister Jane(Marc) Farmer.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking to donate to https://www.g1dfoundation.org/ and Bethel United Methodist Church 22043 270th Ave Sigourney Iowa, 52591

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