Merwin G Nixon Obituary (1933 - 2014)

Merwin G. Nixon, 80, of Skowhegan, passed away on Wednesday January 1, 2014, in Augusta, Maine, at the Veterans Hospice Center at Togus. He was born June 21, 1933, in Madison, Maine, the son of James W. and Velma (Graham) Nixon. Merwin graduated from Madison High School in the class of 1951, and then he received his associate’s degree from the University Of Washington State, and then worked on his bachelors – He served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years as a military intelligence officer. He served in Labrador, Vietnam, China Branch in Omaha, NE, Loring AFB, ME, Lowry AFB, Denver, CO, Hamilton, AFB, CA, and Hahn AFB, Germany. While serving in Vietnam he received three bronze stars and three commendation medals. After retirement he lived with his wife and family in Chelmsford, MA, for 22 years where he worked for Tektronix in Lexington, ME, and then the U.S. Navy in Kittery, ME. For the last 12 years he and his wife have lived in Skowhegan, Maine. Merwin was a 32nd degree Mason with the William North Lodge in Lowell Massachusetts, a member of the American Legion, a member of the V.F.W., and a member of the National Rifle Association. He was an honorary retired member of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints since 1971. He and his wife served five years volunteer work at the Boston Massachusetts Temple and also served as State Missionaries. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed photography, painting, and genealogy. He loved birds and animals, enjoyed guns and he was an avid reader. He donated time to help people whether he knew them or not. Merwin loved spending time with his family. Besides his wife Loretta of 54 years of Skowhegan, he leaves his five children; Rusty Nixon and his wife Belinda of Bowdoin, Jeffrey Nixon of Oxford, MA, Cherri Albro and her husband Michael of Oxford, MA, Mary Ann Huish and her husband Alfred of Ft. Carson, CO, William Nixon and his wife Karen of Lowell, MA, his brother Wayne and his wife Nikki of Ft. Myers, FL, fourteen grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, three sisters; Shirley Breault, Jane Bridges and Eunice Thompson. Viewing hours will be held on Monday January 6, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday January 7, 2014 at 1 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Malbons Mills Rd, Skowhegan, Maine, with Bishop Elon Firmage officiating. The family wishes to thank the Togus Medical and Hospice caregivers for their excellent care. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave, Skowhegan, Maine. Condolences may be left for the family at www.smartandedwardsfh.com