Howard V Bixby

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Obituary- Bixby, Howard 3

He found a surprising amount of time and talent for civic work. His service club was the Kiwanis. He was a charter member at Wetmore, had transferred to Topeka and recently helped form the South Side Club at Pauline. He was proud of his eight years perfect attendance, admitted he was late sometimes, but was always there. During his years at Wetmore, he served as secretary of the Nemaha County Fair.

The dream and ambition of every boy that grows up in rural Kansas, is to some day own a farm and have live stock to look after, and Howard grew up in that pattern. He was truly thankful, when his savings enabled him to buy the old Gill farm of 54 acres, a mile south of Wetmore, and start with a few Hereford cattle. Later be bought 16 acres north and across the road, and later 120 acres to the east - but the thrill of his own land and white face cattle never ceased and he was thankful for a dream fulfilled.

It was as a family man, perhaps, that his friends revered him most. His worship of Theda, his wife, was an inspiration to all that knew them. Their first born, Eula Beth, (Mrs. Warren Oxandale of Netawaka) was a real event in their lives, and when their son, Howard R. (Bob of KSC, Manhattan) came along their joy seemed complete. Grand children (born to the Oxandales) came as a rewarding experience. Marcia Jo and Timothy Alan were taken in stride, but when Brian Howard came along, his grandfather Bixby simply wrote: “It’s a boy, with the weight, named Howard,” on the blackboard and told his classes that was the lesson for the day.

Howard was a member of the Scottish Rite and Arab Temple of the Shrine at Topeka, and found time to enjoy their meetings and take part in their activities. It was entirely fitting that Elmer Johnson of the Netawaka Masonic lodge, long time friend and co-worker, should give the ritual at his grave. Always an able orator in the ceremony, Mr. Johnson seemed to add special sincerity and meaning as he placed the white apron and sprig of evergreen on the casket. Rev. LeRoy Davis, pastor of the Wetmore Baptist church gave the prayer and benediction.
This review is more extensive than usual, but is written in the hope that human values and what really constitutes useful and worth while service will gain a larger attention from the reading public. The big city press carries daily columns of celebrities in the athletic and show business world - their scoring, batting averages, extra marital involvement down to the last sordid detail, together with their life time history, minute details and illustrated cheese-cake measurements. Just how much greater was Howard’s service to humanity - proper education and eliminating juvenile delinquency.

Friends will want to carry a memory picture of Howard, with his arm across the shoulder of a boy, who was in pain from some rough playground injury; or in earnest conference with a small girl, to who the problems of life seemed too great. He understood their needs and sincerely wished to help them.

Just a few of many letters of sympathy to Mrs. Bixby and family, and tributes to their friend: “We worked together harmoniously and I admired him personally and respected his judgment.”--Wendell Godwin, Topeka Supt. Of Schools.

“His service to the boys and girls he taught will be his memorial. What greater can anyone have?--Donald A. McConnell, Junction City Supt. Of Schools. A friend of two score years, who started his school career at Goff.

A fellow teacher: “How much I gained from the two years I was allowed to work with him. How often he said: “As long as a youngster really tries, even though his work is poor; I will not fail that child.”--Virleen.

Just a small pupil: “I hated to see Mr. Bixby go like this, because I loved him so much.” --Vance

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