Clarence B. "Bo" Nixon

© Tuttle Times

25 August 2005

Submitted by: Sandi Carter

Clarence B. "Bo" Nixon, Jr., beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend left his family to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 19th, 2005 at the age of 77.

He was born on June 17th, 1928 in Blanchard, Oklahoma to Norma Gladys (Bell) and Clarence Benjamin Nixon, who both preceded him in death.

He attended Blanchard High School, as well as Hills Business College, University of Central Oklahoma, and Moore-Norman Vo-Tech School.

"Bo" proudly served our country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the South Pacific during WW II, where he received the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan).

Upon returning from service in the Armed Forces, "Bo" met and married his love and life partner for the next 57 years, Ora V. Hall. He is survived by their 2 children; daughter Elaine Nixon Page and her husband Kenneth Page, and son Derek Nixon and his wife Carolyn Johnson, and granddaughter Tessa Reeves Bromley and her husband Mark Bromley and great-grandson Vance Ashton Bromley.

"Bo" retired after 25 years of service at Tinker Air Force where he was a Computer Analyst to pursue his true calling, civic and community service. He was tirelessly dedicated to serving the veterans and was very active in the VFW and American Legion Organizations and held the following positions through the years Ð Post Commander (7 years), Post Quartermaster, Post Adjutant, Post Service Officer, Post Judge Advocate, Post Trustee as well as District Offices of Commander, Sr. Vice Commander, Jr. Vice Commander and Loyalty Day Chairman.

He was a life member of Tony K. Burris VFW Post #3608 in Blanchard and a member of American Legion Post #261.

Bo was cited as All-State Commander in 1981 and 1988 and his post was ranked 7th in World competition of outstanding VFW Posts with his post showing over a 300% increase in membership.

He also served as a committee member with former Governor Nigh for the creation of the Veteran's Memorial in Oklahoma City at the State Capital's Historical Building.

One of his final tributes to veterans was his design and securing of pledges to fund a memorial for deceased veterans of McClain County which was to be erected at the Blanchard Cemetery.

He served as VA Medical Center of Oklahoma City volunteer for the past 12 years.

"Bo" acted as volunteer coordinator for Blanchard in the aftermath of the 1973 tornado and organized the clean-up campaign as well as securing medical quarters and negotiating agency settlements.

For the countless hours he devoted to his community and the Veterans Organizations, he was nominated for the Mr. VFW of the year award in 1993.

A Day of Honor was proclaimed on June 9, 1992 for "Bo" and wife Ora, by the City of Blanchard, for the support of the community.

"Bo" ran for State Representative for District 46 in 1982 and continued until his death to monitor and challenge officials on legislation affecting Veterans and their families.

"Bo" was a faithful and dutiful servant of the Lord and a long standing member of the First Baptist Church of Blanchard.

"Bo" was a hard-working, civic-minded man who volunteered not only his time but his services for others in need and expected nothing in return. He was humble and a humanitarian in every sense of the word and will be greatly missed by his loving family and the surrounding community.

He had a love for reading, a thirst for knowledge and he never met a stranger. We will miss his smile, his quick wit, his charm and all of his unique sayings.

Bo leaves behind his sisters; Billie Nixon, Patricia Clark, Bonnie Terrell, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless other loved ones.

Predeceased by sister Betty Thurman and brother R.L. Sullivan.

Memorial gifts may be made in "Bo's" honor to either the First Baptist Church Blanchard or the American Heart Association.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2005 at the First Baptist Church, Blanchard. Reverend Ray Sims officiated with interment held in the Blanchard Cemetery. Arrangements made by Eisenhour Funeral Home, Blanchard.