Lowell David Hixon, 82, passed away peacefully on August 13th, 2026, surrounded by family at Graham County Hospital.

He was born April 28, 1944, in Boise, Idaho, to Frederick and Reva (Ouderkirk) Hixon. In childhood, they moved to Kansas, where Lowell graduated from Palco High School in 1962. Lowell met the love of his life, Shirley Morel, in high school. After graduation, Lowell and Shirley both attended Brown Mackie College in Salina. After college, Lowell married Shirley on August 10th, 1963, in Damar. In this union, they welcomed four children, whom they raised in Plainville.

Lowell enjoyed working in the oilfield until he retired at the age of 77 (he wouldn't give it up!).

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley of Hill City; son Troy Hixon (Michele) of Plainville; daughters Shayla Zeigler (Doran) of Hill City, Shannon Crawford, and life partner Arnold of Quinter, and Tammi Newell (Billy) of Nevada, Mo.; two sisters, Connie Clayton (John) of Lakeland, Fla., and Juanita Lumpkins (Earl) of Wilson; 13 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his "extra girls"—the staff at Dawson Place and Graham County Hospital, whom he loved as his own. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Reva Hixon, sister Sharon Hixon, and great-grandson Tripp Logan Fox.

A vigil will be held on Monday, August 17, at 7 p.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar. The funeral will be on Tuesday, August 18th at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar, with burial at Palco Cemetery.

The family would like to recognize the nursing staff at Graham County Hospital for the excellent care he received.

The family asks that memorials be made to Dawson Place Nursing Home, the Kansas Society for Children with Challenges, or Masses.