Rev. Dr. Michael C. Hixson

The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Hixson took the hand of his Lord and Savior, Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing. A memorial service to honor and remember his life and ministry will be held at 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at Graham Church, 7320 West Beard Road, Perry, MI 48872. Pastor John Schlaack and Pastor David Hixson will co-officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at the church from 9:00 -11:00 AM and 2:00-4:00 PM. A private family interment has taken place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bath.
Mike was born July 23, 1958, in Chattanooga, TN to the late James Webster Hixson (dec. 2021) and Lou Annie (Pinson) Hixson. He moved to Michigan at the age of 2 and later graduated from Lansing Eastern High School, Class of 1976. He married the love of his life and former classmate, Kathryn A. (Betts) Hixson and this began their journey which has spanned over 44 years of love and laughter. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1980 with his Bachelors in Science degree. Continuing to receive his master's degree from Temple Baptist Theological Seminary in 1984 and his doctoral degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2009. He was one of the pastors of Calvary Baptist Church from 1985 – 1995. Best known to many as the Teaching Pastor at Graham Church, having been with the church since September of 1995. In this role at the church for 27 years, he has seen the church grow spiritually and numerically and been influential in its missions' programs. He is known to have a strong affection for all things associated with MSU. He was an avid cyclist riding thousands of miles each year. He loved being outdoors and never let Kathryn's visual impairment limit them. He captained their tandem bike, the tandem kayak and helped her hike many mountainous trails.
Dr. Hixson is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn; their children, Luke W. Hixson and John M. Hixson, daughter-in-law, Rachel Holmberg; grandchildren, Wesley W. Hixson and Luke L. Hixson; mother, Lou Annie Hixson; brother, James Timothy and his wife Jamie (Bancroft) Hixson and their children, Josh, Ben, Jessica, and Carlos. He was preceded in death by his father, James Hixson; daughter, Abigail Hixson; and niece, Brittney Hixson.
The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the community's outpouring of love and support following Mike's passing, whether it be a phone call, note or even a prayer sent; this has not gone unnoticed, and we thank you. This faithful servant of God is now rejoicing in heaven; 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (ESV): For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Graham Church Missions.
The family is being served by Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Laingsburg Chapel where online condolences may be shared with his family at www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com