Martin A. Bixby, 83, of Kendallville, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 8, 2025.
He was born Feb. 10, 1941, in Edmonton, England. Martin earned his master’s degree in metallurgical science in London from the Metallurgical Society of England in 1967. Following the completion of his education, he and his wife, Maureen, immigrated to America in 1967 with their three kids and $200 in their pocket. His career was distinguished by significant achievements, including serving on an executive team tasked with traveling to Japan to learn and implement Deming manufacturing techniques in the United States. Martin held key positions at Cummins, Warner Gear, Borg Warner, York International, Da-Lite Screen, Tokheim and DePuy/Johnson & Johnson.
A man of many passions, Martin was a published poet whose work, “For John,” written in the aftermath of John Lennon’s assassination, earned recognition for its poignancy. He cataloged classical recordings, was a voracious reader, and possessed a vast understanding of countless topics. He was a collector of stamps, a competitive cyclist and an accomplished builder and pilot of RC airplanes. A lifelong distance runner, he shared many miles with his beloved wife, Maureen Bixby, his partner since they were just 13 and 14 years old.
Martin’s creativity extended to needlework, as he cross-stitched and knit beautiful sweaters and blankets. His love of music was profound, with a special passion for jazz, Pink Floyd, and most of all, The Beatles. He spent countless hours analyzing the symbolism in their music and sharing his insights with his family.
Above all, Martin will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family. He gave selflessly, always providing for his loved ones and investing deeply in the lives of his children. Firm yet compassionate, he had a remarkable gift for recognizing the contributions of others and making them feel valued. He adored children and cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Martin was preceded in death by his oldest son, John Martin Bixby; his grandson, Joseph Bixby; and his son-in-law, R. Mark Janney. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Maureen A. Bixby; daughters, Susan D. Janney and Sally A. Barker (Mark A. Barker); son, Michael J. Bixby (Linda S. Bixby); and daughter-in-law, Beth A. Bixby. Martin’s legacy is further carried on by his 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 S. Center St., Auburn. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 1 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Tim Brandon officiating. Burial will take place at the Scipio Cemetery north of Harlan.
Memorial donations may be given in memory of Martin to the Noble County Council on Aging, 561 S. Main St., Kendallville, IN 46755.
Condolences may be sent to the family at fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home of Auburn.