Gayle Dean Hix

Gayle Dean Hix, forever pursuing his eternal journey, passed from this existence October 6, 2012 at Green Gables Assistance Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gayle was born on August 27, 1935 at the home of his maternal grandmother in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was the son of Ray C. and Florence M. Hix. He grew up on the family farm in Grant and graduated from Rigby High School. Gayle loved the Scouting Program and became an Eagle Scout at an early age. He served as missionary for the LDS Church, Northern States Mission; 1955 – 1957. On May 16, 1958, Gayle and Daisy Mary Anaya were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They became parents of three lovely daughters and one handsome son. Gayle graduated from the University of Idaho in 1961 with a B.S. Degree in chemical engineering. Gayle was a lifelong learner, and earned additional college degrees. In his retirement years he became a Certified Genealogist and was certified as a Lineage Specialist. He enjoyed searching records through the Church History Center. Showing his pride to be an American, Gayle joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1959, eventually earning the rank of Major. In 1985 he retired from civilian life and served active duty in the Army until 1995, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Gayle’s employment took him to numerous locations and his quest in genealogy introduced him to the New England States, he especially loved the town of Richmond. After his first marriage ended, he met and married Alma Irene Gilstrap in Illinois. Gayle loved to dance and he took lesson after lesson, especially Ballroom style dance. He and his partners could really light up the floor! He is survived by three daughters, Carrie Lee Lauritzen, of Cedar Hills, Utah, Nanette Hix, of Spanish Fork, Utah, Laura (Chris) Wood, of West Jordan, Utah, a son, Kevin (Michelle) Hix, of Houston, Texas, brothers, Ronald C. (Nita) Hix, Randy K (Michaelena) Hix, both of Idaho Falls, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, expected to be born around Thanksgiving. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Bonnie Rae. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 12, 2012, at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main Street, Rigby. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Grant Central Cemetery. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.