Obituary

Robert H. “Bob” Bixler, 88, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 14, 1937, in Norristown, PA, he was the son of the late Homer and Alice (Small) Bixler.

Bob graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree, a lifelong love of PSU Football, and a devotion to the woman who would become his wife within weeks of her own graduation. They began their marriage with a road trip honeymoon and Bob served as a steady captain for countless family trips across the country in the motor home over the years. 

He was a member of the Professional Engineering Society of Pennsylvania, CUP Church, the Chippewa Area Lions Club, and the Blackhawk School Board, and was awarded Engineer of the Year in 1983. He spent most of his career at Michael Baker Corporation as a civil engineer. He retired from Honeywell but did not stay retired for long. He entered into real estate, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and provided transportation to deaf children. 

Bob enjoyed supporting PSU football, even traveling to cheer on the Nittany Lions at the Rose Bowl, and tending his garden, which provided his family with perfect apples for apple sauce and Pumpkins and zucchini of record-breaking size. Besides his workshop, where he took on impressive woodworking projects, he felt most comfortable taking care of others. Bob dedicated his life to making life easier for those around him, as shown by his quiet acceptance, support, and respect for his wife’s occasionally outlandish projects and dreams. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Judith (Branson) Bixler; his children, Jeff (Michelle) Bixler,  Cindy Bixler-Reed, and Eric (Heather) Bixler; grandchildren, Jake (Lindsey) Bixler, Rebecca Reed, Maddie Bixler, Logan Bixler, Clarissa Reed, Katie Bixler, Ben Reed, Julia Bixler, and Mikayla Reed; a great-grandchild, Carsen Bixler; as well as extended family and friends.

Friends will be received on Thursday, January 15^th , from 4-6 PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. 

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16^th at 11 AM at CUP Church, 530 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.  Friends will be received at the church one hour prior to services.

Interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name can be made to the Chippewa Area Lions Club, 123 Samuel Drive Beaver Falls, PA 15010.