Jun 29, 2018

Wayne Hixenbaugh, 83, of Avella, died Friday, June 29, 2018, in Premier Washington Health Center, Chartiers Township, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born January 3, 1935, in Canonsburg, a son of the late George P. Hixenbaugh and Opal Gildow Hixenbaugh.

A 1953 graduate of Trinity High School, he was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Washington congregation.

Mr. Hixenbaugh worked for Brockway Glass for 30 years, until it closed in 1984, and 13 years at 84 Lumber, before retiring in 2008 for the second time.

He loved to sing, especially with his family, and he taught himself to play the guitar, banjo and mandolin.

In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball. He also enjoyed woodworking, engine repair and tinkering, and spending time outdoors. Wayne was a Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan, and he enjoyed tennis.

On December 2, 1954, he married Sarah Ann Hewitt, who died December 30, 2016.

Surviving are two daughters, Beth Hixenbaugh of Avella and Kay (Bruce Myers) Barnhart of Washington; a sister, Karen (Jerry) Belleville of Washington; nine grandchildren, Ben (Kerry) Drilak, Mark Drilak, Ryan (Greta) Drilak, Andrew Drilak, Aimee (Dean) Barker, Daniel Barker, Ashley Myers, Tyler Myers and Scott Myers; six great-grandchildren, Aidan Drilak, Taryne Drilak, Kiera Drilak, Zeke Malinosky, Chloe Micelli and Mia Micelli; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are three daughters, Ruby Drilak, Diana Barker and Cassandra Hixenbaugh, and two sisters, Joann Clutter and Carol Salsbury.

Washington Health System, Donnell House and Premier Washington Health Center provided Mr. Hixenbaugh with wonderful and compassionate care.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 3.

Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.