Russell M. Bixby

Visitation will be held from 4-8PM, Wednesday, April 1l, 2018 at the Mortuary. Burial will be in The National Cemetery, Rock Island, IL. Memorials may be made to the family. Online tributes may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com. Russell was born on January 21, 1931 in Guthrie Center, Iowa, the son of Irwin and Viola (Bessie) Dygert Bixby. He was united in marriage to Lois Ann Showens on August 12, 1962. She preceded him in death on December 17, 2003. Russell was a proud United States Army Veteran as a radio operator and had taught Morse Code. He was a former pilot and owned a J-3 Cub. He was K0IIS Ham Radio operator for over 60 years and had conversations with people all over the world. Russell also enjoyed target shooting, teaching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren how to shoot. He enjoyed taking them to shooting competitions. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 26, NRA, and Oakhills Gun Club. Above all he was known for his sweet tooth. Those left to honor his memory include his children, Michael (Glenda) Bixby Sr., Ron Bixby, Cheryl Bixby, and Rev. Jeff (Melissa) Bixby; grandchildren Christian Bixby, Amanda Simpson, Michael Bixby Jr, Andrew Daniels, Jeffrey Snook, Elizabeth Bixby, Ed Jackson, Crystal Turner, and Nicole Jackson; great grandchildren, Zane, Emily, Autumn, Ayden, Alexis, Caiden, Addisyn, Harper, Dalton, Taylor, Austin, Xavier, Alex, Annabell, Savannah and Leland; sister Judy (Victor) Dibbern; and sister-in-law Sandy Bixby. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother Roger.