Mahlon Stuart Wixson Obituary (1932

Mahlon Stuart Wixson passed away June 8, 2005 at the family home. He was the youngest of four children, born February 14, 1932 in Reno, NV to Gail Francis Wixson and Laura Cerwenka Wixson. Following his mother's death, he spent his formative years at St. Anne's Catholic Orphanage in Salt Lake City, UT with his brothers Gail and George and sister Maybelle. As a teenager, he and his siblings reunited with their father on the family farm near Chehalis, WA. Following graduation from Chehalis High School, he joined the Navy September 12, 1949 and served, he proudly said, "three years, eight months and 18 days" being honorably discharged May 29, 1953. He earned the Good Conduct Medal and served as an Admiral's Aide, affording him extensive travel throughout Europe. He was stationed Norfolk, VA and aboard the USS English as a Gunner's Mate. It was at Playquato Dance Hall in Lewis County, WA where he met the love of his life M. Doreen Hanke. They were married in Chehalis on May 1, 1954 and moved to an apartment in Bremerton before purchasing their first home in Silverdale. Wixson immediately set about building on to the home, which expanded periodically over the course of more than a decade, right along with their growing family. Wixson began a welding apprenticeship at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1954 and achieved highest academic honors as a member of Olympic College class of 1958. Wixson's civilian career was long and distinguished. In 1962, he was promoted to Welding Supervisor. Five years later, he made General Foreman. The Wixson family relocated briefly to Napa, CA where Wixson worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard as Superintendent Welder. He returned to PSNS in the same capacity in 1973 and was promoted to Structural Group Superintendent in 1982. Upon his retirement in 1985, he received the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award. Wixson also served on the Welding Advisory Board at Olympic College and the Kitsap Peninsula Vocation Skills Center. Wixson was instrumental in expanding and modernizing the Silverdale Water District and was elected and re-elected water commissioner, a post he held for 16 years before retiring in December 1987. Wixson Reservoir, located adjacent to Dickey Road, is named in honor of his countless hours of devoted service to the community. Upon his retirement from PSNS, Wixson founded Thermion Metalizing Systems, Ltd, a company marketing thermal spray equipment worldwide. In his capacity as President of the company, Wixson traveled throughout the world bringing thermal spray technology to private companies as well as US government projects. In the 1950s and 1960s, Wixson enjoyed stock car racing, a hobby he passed on to his son. He built two motorhomes in which the family enjoyed frequent travels throughout the Western United States. Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing the drums. He was a 23- year member of the Fraternal Order of Elks, a 40-year member of Fraternal Order of Eagles and a 20-plus-year member of NARFE. In addition to traveling, in his later years Wixson enjoyed spending time on his 40-acre farm in Satsop, WA, and collecting antique tractors. He is survived by his wife, Doreen, Silverdale; daughters Vicky (Jeff) Henderson, Saratoga, CA; and Yvette Wixson, Tumwater; son David (Carolyn) Wixson, Bremerton; grandchildren Lauren and Brett Henderson, Gailon Wixson Pursley and Ryan Wixson; brother Gail (Dorothy) Wixson, Arkansas; sister-in-law Minnie Wixson, Hoquiam; brother-in-law Bob Putman, Seabeck, and numerous nieces and nephews. Wixson was preceded in death by sons Richard and Brian, brother George, sister Maybelle and beloved dachshund April. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive #206, N. Hollywood, CA 91607 or to CK Fire and Rescue, 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road #101, Silverdale, WA 98584.