Edward Jay Nixon, 82, was a world traveler and lived many places, but he made his home in Kempner with his wife, Sandy Nixon. Ed died at his home on July 17, 2022 from natural causes.
Ed was born Dec. 10, 1939 in Central Lake, Michigan to Margaret (Dillingham) Nixon and Gerald Edward Nixon.
He graduated from Rockford High in Rockford, Michigan in 1959.
After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served for 30 years.
During his time in the U.S. Navy, he married Sandy on Sept. 4, 1976. They had one daughter, Trisha Boardman.
Ed went on to attend Central Arizona College and earned his general construction degree in 1995.
He lived honestly and was involved in the community. He was president of the Rotary Club in San Manuel, Arizona. He was a member of the VFW (Texas), Exchange Club (Texas) and Elks Club (Arizona, 22 years).
During his free time he enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, camping, golfing, darts, poker and archery. Papa Ed was a man who woke early, worked hard and treated himself to the things he loved.
Ed is survived by his wife, Sandy Nixon; his daughter, Trisha Boardman; granddaughters Dawn Boardman and Sirena Boardman; and great-granddaughters Roxanna Boardman-Reams and Chloe Reams.
Ed was preceded in death by his siblings Barbara, Alfred and Robbie.
A memorial celebration will be held Aug. 7 at 925 FM 2313 in Kempner. Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove has charge of arrangements.
