Dailey Bixler, 83, of Green Center (near Churubusco), passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.
He was born on January 30, 1941, in Blue Creek Township, Adams County, Indiana, to the late Raymond and Audrey (Tinkham) Bixler.
He spent his formative years in Linn Grove and graduated from Hartford Center in 1959.
Dailey loved to play basketball and basketball was how he met Sandy Horsewood. After attending a basketball game, the couple began dating and then were married on June 29, 1963, and together they raised a loving and close-knit family.
Dailey worked for 32 years at Dana Corp in Fort Wayne, retiring in 2002.
He was a man who loved helping people, visiting with friends, fixing Lawn Boy mowers, and listening to Christian music.
Above all, what mattered most to Dailey was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to mow and was deeply committed to his walk with Christ. Known affectionately as the self-appointed Mayor of Green Center, Dailey regularly attended the Sugar Grove Church of God.
Dailey is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandy Bixler; his children, Eric Bixler, LeAnn Gilbert, and Heather (Tony) Nash; his brother, Marion Bixler; his sisters, Kay Flueckiger and Judy Sipe; his six grandchildren, Ashley, Breanna, Tyler, Chase, Alec, and Jacob; his four great-grandchildren, Eli Dailey, Josh, Emmett, and Oakley.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Audrey Motter.
Funeral services were held April 27 at Sugar Grove Church of God, Churubusco, with calling one hour prior to the service. Calling was held April 26 at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery, Churubusco.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.