Larry W. Hixon

1933 - 2015

Larry William Hixon died of a heart attack while participating in a favorite activity, hiking in the Claremont Wilderness Park. The family appreciates the many hikers who stopped to help when he became ill.

"It was all about justice," Larry once said when asked about his path in life. Larry had deep roots in Southern California and the Disciples of Christ Church (DOC). He was significantly influenced by his family, especially his father who was also a Disciples of Christ pastor. The family spent two years in the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) as missionaries when Larry was very young. They later served in Globe, AZ, before coming to CA, where Larry graduated from high school in Pomona. He went on to graduate from Chapman College with a B.A. in Religion and Psychology. Larry continued his studies at Lexington School of Theology and completed his MTh. in Church and Society at Claremont School of Theology. He also studied for a year in the graduate M.S.W. program at USC.

After graduating from CST, he married Janet Earl (Stevens) and they had three children. Larry served at All Peoples Christian Church in downtown Los Angeles and at First Christian Church , Pasadena, both DOC congregations. He was executive director of the Eastmont Community center in East LA for nine years. This work included founding the Unity Walk to raise support for Eastmont and All Peoples. He was instrumental in the early development of the Villa Sarah cooperative living community in Altadena in the 1970s. His tireless work with Church World Service/CROP and HOPE-NET in the 1980's and '90's impacted innumerable people, including those who have been hungry and/or homeless in Los Angeles and around the world.

Larry married Sheryn Scott in 1979 and they lived together in Altadena for 35 years. After his official retirement in the late '90s, Larry continued to volunteer on many boards and committees. He led a service-learning team to Central America every February for 15 years. In March 2013, Larry received the Claremont School of Theology Distinguished Alumnae Award, recognizing his exemplary work through the years on civil rights, civil liberties and justice issues. In 2014, he was also presented the Gene Boutilier Award for Outstanding Ecumenical Service by the Southern California Ecumenical Council.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sheryn Scott and their five mutual children: Tom Hixon (Kathy), Susan Hixon, Scott Hixon, Ali Borden (Ben K) and Kara Russ (Ben R). He is also survived by his grandchildren Jared, Kiah, Shane, Jaden, Tessa, Lauren, Matthew, Brendan, Parker, Kiersten, Adam, Ellen and five step-grandchildren, and by his sister Judy Fraticelli (Jerry). There will be a service to celebrate the life of Larry Hixon on Aug. 29, 2015 at 3 pm, at Pilgrim Place in Claremont. All are welcome who wish to honor his work and service.

Donations in Larry's name may be sent to Pilgrim Place, All Peoples' Community Center, Church World Service, NAMI, the LA Gay and Lesbian Center or other peace and justice organizations of your choice.