Wendell Dee Hixson

Wendell Dee Hixson of Oklahoma City, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at the age of 90. He was born on September 26, 1935, to William and Opal Hixson of Edmond, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of three children, his siblings were Carl Gene Hixson of Kansas and Norma Lee Hanna of Nebraska, both deceased. He attended Edmond Memorial High School and wrestled for the Great Ted Anderson, who said Wendell was one of his best wrestlers.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1954 and was immediately deployed for three years to Newfoundland. He would spend a total of 36 years in the Air Force and/or full time in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, retiring at the rank of Master Seargent. He was an aircraft electrician and instrument technician. He spent many years working on the C-130 aircraft. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war and recognized for being deployed to the tragedy in Guyana in 1978.

After serving four years of active duty, he returned to Edmond, Oklahoma where he met the love of his life, Mary Theresa Landgraf, who would become his wife of 62 years. They would have three children: Mark, Melanie and Michael, eleven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. It was important for he and his wife to send their three children through Rosary Catholic School, McGuinness Catholic High School and College. He was a fan of OU Football and Bishop McGuinness sports.

He was a little league coach, Cubmaster, and Scoutmaster for many years. Known for his winning Pinewood Derby Cars. He has been a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish for more than sixty years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a Grand Knight. He also served as an Usher and Eucharistic Minister for many years. He was the 2013 President of the Meridian Hills – Manor Neighborhood Association.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; son Mark and wife Shaa; daughter Melanie Johnson and husband Todd; son Michael and wife Leslea; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He could talk to anyone. Much like Will Rogers, Wendell never met a man he didn’t like. He knew no strangers. He will be missed by all who knew him.