Jeffrey "Jeff" Allan Feix

Jeffery “Jeff” Allan Feix passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 surrounded by family at the age of 63.  Jeff was born in Dayton, Ohio to Robert Feix and Judith Raybourne Feix on April 26, 1962. He was the oldest of five children with four sisters. His parents relocated to Iowa Park, Texas shortly after the “blizzard of 77” in Ohio.

Jeff always had a job as a young person starting back in Ohio, mowing grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow, and paper routes. Jeff graduated from Iowa Park in 1980 with honors and started working at a factory. He learned very quickly that this was not the career he wanted in life. He went to work at the Wichita Falls State Hospital as a mental health aide during the day and at a nursing home as a nurse’s aide where he met his future wife, Arlene “Joy” Norton. They married in September 1990 with Joy’s daughter Amanda being part of the ceremony. Together, they made a beautiful family that only grew in numbers and love over the years. Jeff started LVN school during the day at Vernon College in January 1991 graduating in December 1991 while working full-time at night the entire year. After a few years as a nurse on 6C at Bethania, he eventually found his way to the OR where he found his passion.

Jeff Feix in conjunction with Dr. Susan Couch at Vernon College and United regional healthcare system, began developing the surgical technology program in early 2000’s. Jeff’s first class began on August 22, 2002. His last class graduated on August 4, 2022. Jeff was fundamental in the programs beginning and continued to fully support the program until his retirement in August of 2022. With Jeff’s dedication and the student’s willingness to learn he helped 282 graduates complete the program as certified surgical technologist. This closed the gaps for surgical tech employment in local hospitals, as well as students traveling to the metroplex area and other states across the country. He was also instrumental in assisting many of his graduates to continue their education in completing their surgical first assistant certifications as well. He Chaired and was a member of the Board of AST as well as ARC, holding multiple positions. Jeff was an extremely active educator with surgical technology in Texas. It was his passion and he was an amazing coordinator and instructor. He loved his students as much as they loved and respected him.

Jeff dedicated his life to advancing the field of surgical technology through tireless service and unwavering commitment at the local, state, and national levels. He served on the ARC/STSA Board of Directors (24-25), helping shape the future of surgical technology education. In Texas, his leadership was evident through his roles on the Board of Directors (2002-2003), and as President (2003-2008) and as Treasurer (2015-2019), and of the Texas State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists. A passionate advocate for his profession, Jeff worked closely with lawmakers to improve patient care standards and championed legislation mandating credentialing for surgical technologists. His dedication was instrumental in the passage of Texas House Bills HB1748 and HB643, leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit patients and professionals for years to come. While Jeff loved teaching and his students, his greatest passion was his family. He made sure to be a constant presence in their lives. He took care of his dad through his battle with Alzheimer’s. He showed up weekly to visit his Granny when she was in a nursing home, always sure to bring one of the grandkids with him. He also helped take care of his mother and father-in-law. He was there when each of his granddaughters was born. He was at every event, every game, every band concert, every school event. He arranged his work schedule so that he never missed an opportunity to show up for them. When his oldest granddaughter was planning her wedding, he got himself ordained so that he could officiate their wedding, the most precious of memories for them both. Thanks to his unwavering fight against cancer, he was able to meet his first great-granddaughter, Charlotte.

Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents, Luther and Judith Raybourne; and his father, Robert Feix. 

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Joy; daughter, Amanda Estes and Joel; grandchildren, Madelynn Sanders and Thomas, Emily Dillard, Lauren Dillard, Jenna Dillard, and Tristen Estes and Rylee; great-grandchildren, Charlotte Sanders and Evelynn Estes; and his father and mother-in-law, James and Alice Norton. Jeff loved and adored his nieces, nephews, and numerous extended family. He also leaves behind a community of friends, medical professionals, and educators he spent his life working with.

A Celebration of Jeff’s life will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 3, 2025 in the chapel of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.  Jeff’s request was for all who attend, please wear your favorite scrubs!

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com