William E. "Bill" Hixon Jr., 66, of Bristol, passed away early Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at this home.

Bill was born Oct. 28, 1950, in Indianapolis, to the late William E. and Jacqueline (Thurston) Hixon Sr.

He married the former Linda S. Rodino on Dec. 29, 1972, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Elkhart.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Linda S. of Bristol; two sons, William "Bill" (Karena) Hixon III of Goshen and Thomas (Carly) Hixon of South Bend; and daughter, Melinda "Mindy" Hixon of Elkhart; 12 grandchildren; and a sister, Susie (Rick) Collier of Westfield.

Bill was a graduate of Arlington (Indianapolis) High School.

He attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute, and graduated from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield.

Bill was the first K-9 police officer on the Goshen Police Department.

He held the rank of sergeant and worked on the force for 16 years.

Bill then worked in sales for Culligan International.

He is a member of St. Mary the Annunciation Catholic Church, a 3rd Degree member of the Bristol Knights of Columbus Council No.11574 and the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police.)

Bill enjoyed NASCAR, Notre Dame football, Indianapolis Colts and Indy Car Racing.

Friends and family may gather from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 2,  with a vigil service at 4:30 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, April 3, 2017, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 W. Vistula St., Bristol, IN 46507.

Friends may also call one hour prior to the Mass.

The Rev. Robert Van Kempen will officiate.

Cremation will follow with burial at a later date in Oakridge Cemetery in Bristol.

The family kindly request memorial donations in Bill's name to the Elkhart County Humane Society, 54687 C. R. 19, Bristol, IN  46507.

To share a memory of Bill or send a condolence to the family,  visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

---