Roger L. Bixel

March 3, 1935 - March 30, 2021

Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

419-645-4501 |

Tuesday 4/6, 12:00 pm

Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

419-645-4501 |

Tuesday 4/6, 1:00 pm

Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel

Tuesday 4/6

Roger L. Bixel, age 86 of Lima, passed away at 5:55 p.m., Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Heritage Healthcare in Minster. He was born March 3, 1935 in Bluffton, Ohio to the late Harold and Wava (Amstutz) Bixel. On July 26, 1959 he married Shirley M. Glaze, who survives in Lima.

Roger graduated from LaFayette Jackson High School in 1953, where he was active in athletics and music. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Bluffton College in 1958. He earned his Master of Education degree in 1970 from Bowling Green State University.

He taught and coached at McComb High School, Bluffton High School, and Bath High School. Roger also taught and was the head football coach with the Bluffton College.

After he retired from teaching, he enjoyed golfing, umpiring baseball, watching the Cleveland Indians, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and spending time with his family. He had been a member of the Southside Christian Church for many years and voluntered over 1000 hours with Lima Memorial Hospital.

Roger is survived by his wife Shirley of 62 years; a son – Brian Bixel of Lima; and a sister Ruby (Mike) Logan of Harrod.

He was preceded in death by his brother – Norman Bixel and a sister – Shirley Tippie.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. Pastor Todd Cosart will officiate. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Southside Christian Church or the Marimor School.

See Condolences

Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. Roger was such an upstanding, wonderful man. I always knew he’d give good advice and was so supportive- it was a pleasure to work with him.Pat Kaple

Shirley, Sorry to hear of Roger's passing. Know you are in our thoughts at this time. Roger sure brought excitement to the McComb Panther football program. Jack & Rosie Jacob

Mr. Bixel was our government teacher, Paul’s football coach and best of all demonstrated to us integrity, challenged us to reach goals plus he had a great sense of humor! 57 years have past since the lights were on, the band was playing the fight song, the fans were cheering and the McComb Panthers were taking the field led by Coach Bixel & Coach Lucas but to us it seems like yesterday! We are indebted to Mr. Bixel for molding countless students into responsible adults. We pray that peace will surround you and Brian during this difficult time.

Shirley, We are so sad to hear of Roger’s passing. So many memories of good times at McComb. It is so unfortunate that as our lives progress, that do not take the time to keep in touch. Those memories are dear to us. You are in our prayers. If you ever wish to contact us, Joan’s number is 419-341-0660 and I am 419-341-0661 Respectfully. Joan & Art

I had Coach Bixel for baseball from 71-73 at BC and he was like a second dad for me coming from PA as he was always there to answer questions since I was 500 miles away from home. He touched the lives of alot of young men who were all better adults due to his teachings and leadership. The memories you share on and off the field of play are memories you never forget and I'll certainly never forget Bix.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Remembering all of you from years ago, Roger helped his Dad and another man build my parents house on Phillips Road in LaFayette, Ohio. Ruby was our sitter while Mother went to college in the summer mornings, and Shirley was our childhood neighbor and friend. Am sorry to hear of the passing of both Shirley and Roger. Wishing you God’s peace and comfort at this time and in the coming days.

Mr. Bixel was my teacher at Bath. Everyone has a teacher they look up to. He was mine. I looked forward to his class. Not only was he a great teacher, he was a great man. I think about him often. He always had my respect. Go with God. I’ll see you again sir. Matthew Smith Bath class of 94.

He will always be 'Coach' to me. Played baseball in the early '70's for him at BC and he was the reason I attended Bluffton College.Not only a great coach, but a mentor and example of what men should strive to be.Stood by me when I strayed and allowed me to earn my way back to the sport he and I loved.A good and decent man. The world is less classy with his passing, but Heaven gains an angel of the highest integrity.

Shirley and Brian,So sorry for your loss. It was truly a pleasure to get to know Roger through the years we taught together at Bath. The lunch time we shared we be memories I will always remember. His sense of humor made everyone laugh. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during these times. God Bless.Gary Wolfe

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.