Robert Duane Bixler

On Feb. 14, 2010, Robert Duane Bixler Sr., of Aztec, conquered his 15-year battle with Alzheimer's, leaving his earthly body for his new home in Heaven. Robert, also known as Bob Duane, Dad, Pop and Great-Papa was born July 26, 1944, to Homer Leonard Bixler and Celia Pierce Bixler in Durango, Colo. He was born a fighter, weighing 2 pounds at birth and living the first two months of his life in a boot box, kept warm on a wood stove. No matter what challenge he faced he took the high road, setting an example for all of us to follow. Even when he was dealt an unfair hand at the end, he never faltered from the truth, complained or blamed God, but continued to walk in light. Waiting to meet him on the other side of the river are his parents, Homer and Celia; sister, Norma Reeves; brothers, Thomas Bixler and Don Bixler (Army); and nephew, Curtis Reeves (USMC). Also waiting for him are Granddaddy and Grandma Dabbs. Left to mourn his passing is the love of his life, Sue. They were married Dec. 22, 1962, in Las Vegas, Nev. To this union were born three children: two daughters, Roberta Clover (Ron), of Aztec; Kerrie McFarland (Kenny), of Colstrip, Mont.; and a son, Robert Duane II (Siegenliede), of Aztec. He was blessed with six grandsons: Kenny McFarland (USCG), of North Carolina; Kasey McFarland (S/SGT), of Colstrip; Drew Locke (USAF), of Maryland, Jesse Locke, of Mesa, Ariz.; Korey McFarland, of Colstrip, Mont.; and Robert Duane Bixler III (R.D.), of Aztec. He also leaves two precious granddaughters, Samantha (Sam) and Amber (May-May) Bixler, of Aztec, as well as seven great-grandchildren: Haylee, Petie, Taylor and Ryder McFarland of Montana, and Jaden, Maddie and Charlotte Locke, of Fort Meade, Md. Robert attended Aztec High School and joined the U.S. Navy in 1961. He served aboard the USS Ticonderoga in the Gulf of Tonkin Conflict during the Vietnam War. Following that, he served as a Farmington police officer and was employed by El Paso Natural Gas Company. Robert joined the union as a millwright and worked in the power plant industry until 1990. He was a member of the Church of Christ for 50 years and leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love. He was loved by many and we will all miss him. In lieu of flowers, we ask instead for your love and prayers of support. Should you wish to make a monetary donation in his memory, please contact the San Juan Manor in Farmington at (505) 325-2910. Our family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the staff at San Juan Manor for caring for our dad when we were not able to. "Well done thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel 404 W. Arrington Farmington, NM 87401 1(505)327-5142