Raymond Everett Nixon was born on December 17, 1932, in Hereford, Texas, to Fredrick and Ruby Nixon, the fourth oldest of eight children–five boys and three girls. He graduated from Hereford High School in 1950, and he and his family attended the Assembly of God Church in Hereford. On March 5, 2020, Raymond passed away at the Maple Lawn Manor in Hydro, Oklahoma, at the age of 87, thirteen years shy of his 100 goal.
Raymond served in the army during the Korean War as a tank driver and a cook. Upon discharge he worked on irrigation wells and pipelines, attended welding school and worked in grain elevators. He also helped build a grain storage facility which led to him starting his own construction company that would span 57 years—a carpenter “just like Jesus” he would say. While in Hereford in 1955, he met his true love, Alene Walker, and her three children. They were married in Ft. Sumner, NM in 1956, beginning their 54-year journey together which included welcoming a daughter into their family in 1956.
Raymond built and remodeled all kinds of buildings in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Missouri: houses, restaurants, government facilities, apartments, businesses, and school facilities including the Leedey School Auditorium. His last job was in 2016 at the age of 83. They lived in Hereford and Dimmitt, Texas; and in Oklahoma they lived in Anadarko, Hydro, Sayre and Leedey with Raymond returning to Hydro in May 2013, where he attended the First Christian Church. He was well known for his strong work ethic and will, building skills, joke telling, sharing his beef jerky, and giving rides to local children on his “go” cart.
Raymond was preceded in death by both parents and all his siblings; his wife, Alene; several in-laws, nieces and nephews; and their beloved dog Fraulein. Raymond is survived by his children: Donna Oler (John) of Watonga; Richard Walker (Sharon) of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Cheryl Merks (Rick) of Victoria, Texas; Jerry Walker (Debbie) of Spavinaw, Oklahoma. Also surviving him are several generations of grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many, many friends.
In lieu of flowers, Raymond would want you to donate to Shirley Cemetery to help with the maintenance costs, or to St. Jude’s Hospital-both of which he supported for years in care of Shaw Funeral Home, PO Box 276, Vici, OK 73859. Condolences may be made to the family at shawfuneralhome.net. Shaw Funeral Home of Leedey Service were held Saturday March 14, 2020 at 10:00 am at the Leedey High School Auditorium, Leedey, OK with burial following at Shirley Cemetery, Leedey, OK. Condolences may be made to the family at shawfuneralhome. net. Shaw Funeral Home of Leedey.