Allen Cortner Pixley

Allen Cortner Pixley was born on May 13, 1938. A preacher's son, Allen lived in the parsonage of the Baptist church in Walled Lake, Michigan that his father led, as did his grandfather before him. His parents, William Wheeler Pixley and Martha Catherine (Cortner) Pixley, moved the family to parishes in Cadillac and Ionia, where Allen graduated high school in 1956. Allen lived in South Haven while attending Kalamazoo College for two years before enrolling at Ottawa University in Kansas, where he received a bachelor's degree in political science. He returned to Kalamazoo to earn his teaching certificate at Western University Michigan University.

Allen was drawn to jobs that involved doing what he loved best: talking to people. His summer job of driving a taxi in college led to him meeting his future wife. On June 15, 1963, in Allegan, Michigan, Allen married the former Sylvia Kay Katherler. Together the couple welcomed two daughters into the world, Joy Elizabeth and April Catherine. For many years he shared his passion for history by teaching at Jefferson High School. He was also a sales manager at Klines Department Store, a Wyandotte Bank manager, and a real estate agent through Better Homes and Gardens. But Allen's favorite "job" was assisting his wife with her exhibit at art fairs across the country.

Allen was very active in his church, Trinity Episcopal of Monroe, acting as lay minister and treasurer for many years.

Starting at a young age, Allen loved to sing, both in church and on stage. He was a founding member of the Chamber Singers of Monroe in 1967 and sang with them until 1992. He also sang Barbershop through SPEBSQSA and received his 61st year anniversary pin from the Barbershop Harmony Society this past March. He sang lead in his quartet "The Long and the Short of It" for over two decades. Allen sponsored a high school scholarship to encourage students to pursue Barbershop singing. As a member of the Floral City Harmonizers, directed by Chris Berry, Allen proudly competed in many state competitions, most recently in spring 2025.

Allen Pixley, age 87 of Monroe, Michigan passed away at Brookdale Manor on Wednesday; August 13, 2025, under the care of Beacon Hospice.

His passing was preceded by his parents: William and Martha (Cortner) Pixley and his older sister: Mary Catharine Pixley. His memory is cherished by those he leaves behind, including his loving wife of sixty-two years: Sylvia K. Pixley of Monroe; two daughters: Joy E. Pixley and April C. Pixley (David Lustig); his younger sister: Zaide E. Pixley (John Fink); a niece: Elisabeth Pixley; and two nephews: Andrew J. Pixley-Fink (Clara Presler) and Joel B. Pixley-Fink.

A Celebration of Allen's Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday; September 6, 2025. The service will be at Trinity Episcopal Church, 304 South Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161, with Reverend James Bischoff officiating. Friends may begin gathering prior to the service beginning at 10:00. A luncheon reception will be held from 12:00 pm -2:00 pm. A procession will follow to Historic Woodland Cemetery in Monroe, Michigan for burial.

His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162, (734) 384-5185.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church or to the Floral City Harmonizers (Barbershoppers) in memory of Allen.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.