George Hixson was born in Simla, Colorado, to B. Rex Hixson and Edith V Hixson. He had one older sister, Marvel, and two younger brothers, Merle and Calvin, all who preceded him in death.

In the early days of education, George rode a horse to school daily. He attended schools in Simla, Limon and Ordway, Colorado. He was active in football, basketball, FFA and choir. It was in Ordway that he met and married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn (Meyers) Hixson, on July 30, 1944.

He attended Colorado State University where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho. When the war started George returned home to work on the ranch.

In 1947 the first of his two sons were born: Monty Rex Hixson, who lives in Pendleton, followed by Bret Hixson in 1952, who resides in Corvallis, Oregon.

George worked his entire life with livestock. He ran sheep from the wheat fields of Kansas to the mountains of Colorado. In 1964 the family cattle ranch in Ordway was sold and then in 1968 George moved the family to Long Creek, Oregon, to raise cattle. The start of his roping cattle business began with a Watusi bull that came from Africa who crossed with Longhorn cows. George had an eye for a good horse.

Roping was a passion of George’s in addition to a lifestyle. George competed in rodeo competitions at a young age and continued to rope until the age of 87. At the 2010 ACTRA National Finals, George tipped his hat to the crowd and made his final roping run with his son. Bret. There was not a dry eye in the house.

He holds honorary FFA degrees in Colorado and Oregon, was a 4-H leader and a cattle judge in Colorado. He received numerous awards and championships for his cattle, mules and horses. One accomplishment he was proud of was the breaking and exhibition of the Baker Livestock hitch of 20 white miniature mules. He wrote a book about that experience.

In 2000 George and Evelyn moved to Pendleton. He enjoyed roping, the PBR, and the Pendleton Round-Up. Throughout his life George fostered the love of horses, livestock and rodeo to all who met him. He took great interest in the development of young people and their interest in rodeo.

George was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer shortly before his death at age 91. He leaves behind his wife of 70 years, Evelyn, his son Monty and wife Jeannine, his son Bret and wife Sue and his granddaughter, Kathryn.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.pioneerchapel.com