DONALD K. HIXSON

Wasilla resident Donald Keith Hixson, 70, died of natural causes at Our House Assisted Living Home in Palmer on March 17, 2005.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, April 11, at Wasilla Aurora Cemetery, off Wasilla-Fishhook Road. Family friend Bernice L. Robinson will officiate.

Mr. Hixson was born in Fairfield, Iowa, on Oct. 12, 1934, where he was raised. He graduated from high school in Illinois. In April 1953, he joined the U.S. Army. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division and served in the Korean Conflict. He was discharged honorably in April 1956.

In 1968, he moved to Alaska and made Wasilla his home. During his life, he was a trucker with the Teamsters Union, working for M-B Construction in Anchorage and retired with Alag Co.. He was a member of the VFW, AMVETS and the American Legion. As a favored hobby, he enjoyed woodworking.

His family and friends wrote, "We all loved Donald and will miss him very much. We love you, but God loved you best."

His wife, Joan Hixson, and his parents, Samuel and Nannie Hixson, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Randy D. and Lisa A. Hixson of Wasilla; daughter, Tina M. Gipson of Empire, Calif.; a stepson, Steve DeJong of Sparks, Nev.; granddaughters, Tanya M. Hixson and Vanessa R. Hixson of Mt. View, Calif.; grandsons, Randy N. Hixson of Mt. View, Calif., Mike Hixson of San Jose, Calif. and Gilbert Ruezga of Empire, Calif. Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.