Dennis William Bixler

Dennis William Bixler, 77, of Howell, passed away on June 15th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, including his devoted and loving wife, Sharon (Sherry), telling him how loved he was.
Dennis was born on November 29th, 1946, to Ralph (Bill) and Mary Bixler in Vanport, Oregon, before growing up in Yakima, Washington. He was baptized into the Catholic Church, attended catholic school, and served as an altar boy. Dennis moved to Michigan during high school with his family, graduating from Mattawan High School in 1965. He was drafted into the US Army serving bravely in Vietnam, with the 5th and 11th Army Cavalry Regiments, earning a Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and two Vietnam Campaign Ribbons before becoming a drill sergeant in Fort Bennington, Georgia.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to Michigan, attended Eastern Michigan University, and obtained his Bachelor's in education and Master's in Special Education. Dennis devoted his career to teaching in the Michigan State school system, coaching special teams for Walled Lake Central Football, and served as Director of Driver's Education. Dennis's passion to see every child reach their potential carried to his family, teaching each of his grandchildren to read, write, and count Roman numerals.
Life is not measured by how long it has been but the quality in which you live it. Dennis had a wonderful and fulfilling life with his beautiful wife, Sherry. They visited over a dozen countries, including Mexico, Ireland, France, Panama, Poland, Italy, Portugal, Scotland (UK), Canada, and the Caribbean. As a youth, he played football (including once outrunning a punt before running it back for a touchdown), played baseball, and ran track. Later in life, he continued by coaching basketball and football, sailing in the Caribbean, volunteering at the community pancake breakfast, and even serving rival teams he coached against. He was a member of the American Legion, The Sula Society, and Funcion Corazon de Ninia children's orphanage in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which he visited often.
He also loved to dance and never missed an opportunity with his family and grandchildren to take their hands and get them to dance with him. These words cannot possibly sum up his life, and so very many loved ones survive him. The journey hasn't ended for him, as he is now reunited with all his departed family and friends in heaven, who are overjoyed and celebrating seeing him again. He is undoubtedly dancing with them all, sailing on a boat while relaxing with a beer and a smile.
His parents, Ralph (Bill) and Mary Bixler, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Sherry, who was always devoted to him, as well as sons Chris Tucker (Gina) of Howell and Dennis (Robin) of Livonia and daughter Elizabeth Clark (Rusty) of Charlotte, North Carolina. Grandchildren Christopher Tucker (Justyna), Kyle Tucker, Micah Hobson, Stephen Hobson, Clara Hobson, Brandon Pietrika (Michelle), Emily Cruz and Cameron Cruz, great-grandchildren Hania, Julia, and Gavin, as well as his fur-babies "Buddy" and "Joey" (who adored him). He was also survived by sisters Therese Chott (John) of Grayling and Denise Bixler of Arizona as well as brother Terrance (Molly) of Plymouth, as well as many cousins.
The family would like to express their love and eternal gratitude to Bruce and Ginger Doty at Granny's Delight Assisted Living in Brighton and Hospice Care for their compassion and care.
Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors of Brighton, Michigan, are providing services. Per his family's wishes, a celebration of life will be held with details coming. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Sula Society (https://www.thesulasociety.com)
A memorial visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 425 E Washington St, Howell, MI, on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 9:30 am, followed by memorial mass at 10:30am.