Ralph Nixon

Ralph Charles Nixon died December 21, 2011, after a long, courageous battle with cancer, at his home near Idaho Falls, Idaho. Born February 25, 1937, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Clyde Nixon and Blanche Boyack Nixon, Ralph had one younger brother, Clyde Boyack Nixon, and one younger sister, Sarabeth Nixon (Morgan) Haroldsen. Ralph went to Riverside Elementary School, O.E. Bell Junior High School, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1955. He then attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and performed in operettas while there. He played the steel guitar in a band during his high school and college years. He loved music all of his life. In 1957, Ralph was called to a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Western States and served in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. He had many good memories from his missionary service. Upon returning home from his mission, he met and married Sharon Gardner on August 7, 1959. Their marriage of nearly 53 years was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. They enjoyed singing together; Ralph loved to play guitar. They had five children, Teresa Jo (deceased), Sheri Dawn, Kevin Ralph, Belynda, and Curtis Alan. From a very young age Ralph was involved in Boy Scouts of America. He was an Eagle Scout, was awarded the Silver Beaver, and in 2008 received the Hall of Fame Award, the highest award in the program for this area. He loved Boy Scouts with all his heart. Ralph loved horses, dogs and had animals. He loved to take trail rides and pack trips with friends. He also loved the Mountain Man Reenactment events and went to the Cache Valley Rendezvous for 15 years. Ralph was a police officer for the City of Idaho Falls from 1959 until retiring in 1988. He loved serving and protecting the people of Idaho Falls. Upon retirement he went to work for Rocky Mountain Middle School for 10 years as detention supervisor. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Ralph, Sharon and the family went on vacations all over the United States. He served in callings in the LDS Church for many years and loved his church and his Savior. He held callings, mostly in scouting, and was a High Priest upon his death. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Clyde Boyack Nixon, and a daughter, Teresa Jo Nixon. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, his children, Sheri Dawn (Rodney) Cleverley, Kevin Ralph (Nancy) Nixon, Belynda (Michael, deceased) Green, and Curtis Alan Nixon; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at the Idaho Falls LDS Coltman Second Ward, 12448 North 5th East, with Bishop Dennis Love officiating. The family will meet with friends from 6-8 p.m Monday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 Ridge, and Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Grant Cemetery.

Funeral Services -- Tuesday

11:00 a.m. ,Tuesday, December 27, 2011 Idaho Falls LDS Coltman Ward 12448 North 5th East Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Notes: The family will meet with friends from 6-8 p.m Monday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 Ridge, and Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Grant Cemetery.