Memorial

Harvey Lee Hixson, 89, of Martelle, IA passed away February 5, 2021 due to natural causes.

Harvey was born on November 5, 1931 to Hiram Burnett Hixson and Minnie Steffens in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. After graduating from Hillsboro schools in1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for four years. Harvey furthered his education at Iowa State University in Ames and Iowa Wesleyan University in Mt. Pleasant. He married Diane Seedorf in 1961 and then moved to Colorado where they were blessed with 3 children. In 1965 they returned to Iowa and were blessed with 2 more children. He and Diane later divorced. 

Harvey served as an Army Reservist In the late 70’s and went to active duty in 1983. In 1987, he was transferred to the Pentagon in Washington D. C., where he was stationed until he retired in 1991 as a Master Sargent. He had the unique distinction of being a veteran of both the Korean War and Desert Storm. 

Upon retirement, Harvey moved back to Iowa and spent time reading, gardening, collecting stamps, and spending time with family. He moved to northern Missouri in 2005 to be caretaker of the family farm that had belonged to his brother, John. Harvey enjoyed his time living and working on the farm. He also took great pleasure in helping and socializing with his Amish friends. 

In 2018, due to failing health, Harvey moved back to Iowa to live with a daughter. In February 2020, he was moved to the Anamosa Care Center for specialized care, and remained there until he passed away. We, Harvey’s children, would like to express special thanks to the employees at the Anamosa Care Center. Their tender care often went above and beyond expectation.  An extra-ordinary thank you is sent to Ashley, who treated Harvey with great love, kindness and respect.  Harvey dubbed her ‘his girl’. 

Harvey’s legacy includes a love for learning and reading about a vast variety of subjects, stories of his time in military service, and his willingness to help those in need. His children have many warm memories of time with their dad and will remember, with fondness, the explosive 4th of July celebrations at his farm in Iowa. 

Harvey is survived by his five children: Eric Michael (Beth) Hixson of Oklahoma, Stephen Christopher “Chris” (Leslie) Hixson of Missouri, Valerie Anne Reeves, Pamela Sue Halvorson, Scott Lee (Kim) Hixson of Florida; eighteen grandchildren: Alex (Kierra), Connor (Tina), Drew, Gregory, Faith, Joshua, Angela, Kelli, James (Maristela), Kimber (Zak), Daniel (Celeste), Logan, Erin, Meg (Adam), Kaela, Adam, Matt, and Samantha; twelve great-grandchildren: Tessa, Maisy, Sophia, Elinor, Rose, Declan, Lily, Ammon, Savanna, Maci, Shelby, and Emma, and one brother, Harold of Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John and Charles “Chuck”.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers or donations, that you please contact your local care center and offer help as needed. And also, please thank a veteran for their service.