Walter LeBeau Bixler

Walter LeBeau Bixler, 99, passed from this life into eternal life Tuesday, April 9, 2024, just shy of his 100th birthday. Walter was born to Raymond and Bessie LeBeau Bixler on June 6, 1924, in Minerva, Stark County, Ohio. He married Elva Jane Shultz at the United Methodist Church in Ashland, Ohio on the 20th of June 1948. They celebrated 73 years of marriage. Walter grew up in Ashland and attended Ashland College. After his freshman year he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 263rd Infantry Regiment 66th Infantry Division in Northern France as a Cook. He earned an American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with a Bronze Star and a Good Conduct Medal. He was a Sergeant when he was honorably discharged from the Army. Walter returned to Ashland and College and graduated with a Degree in Music Education. He continued his education and earned his Master's degree from The Ohio State University. Mr. Bixler began his teaching career in 1949. He taught in a variety of schools in Ohio, Perrysville, Loudonville, Doylestown, Newton Falls, and Carey. Walter and Elva moved to Medina in 1962 where he taught for the remainder of his career. He retired in 1989 after 44 years of Music Education. Walter was an excellent trumpet player and played in the community band and a dance band. Walter's hobbies included gardening, travel, and photography. He and Elva visited Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom, and Mexico. They enjoyed Elder Hostels along with their friends from Carey, Ohio. His garden was always well known. His grandchildren remember riding on the mower and picking green beans and blueberries from their plentiful garden. Walter was the family photographer. He took pictures at every family event and shared the pictures with family and friends. He also volunteered with the Kiwanis and his church. Walter was a man of impeccable integrity and above all he loved his family. Walter will be missed by his four children: daughter-in-law, Kathy Bixler; daughter, Gayle (Stan) Hughes; sons, Kent (Jill) and Todd (Lee Ann); thirteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and one on the way. Walter was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elva; his son, Mark; his parents; two sisters, Carolyn Houston and Miriam Bixler. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court Street, Medina, Ohio, followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:30 a.m. Walter will be laid to rest next to his beloved, Elva in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter's memory can be made to the Medina Afternoon Kiwanis at P.O. Box 903, Medina, Ohio 44258, for the planting of trees on Arbor Day. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com