CHERRYVALE — Gary Nixon, 63, of rural Cherryvale died on Wednesday, July 6, 2011, of a heart attack at his home. He had been in his usual health, and his death was unexpected.

Gary Eugene Nixon was born on Aug. 8, 1947, to Clarence “Pinky” and Ruth (Marchant) Nixon on the family homestead near Cherryvale. He attended Mount Zion grade school and graduated from Labette County High School in 1966.

He served in the U.S. Army Reserve.

He worked for Martin Marietta Aeronautics Group in Denver.

Survivors include two daughters, Tammy Ray of Coffeyville and Julie O’Banion of Baxter Springs; a son, Terry Dillenger of West Minster, Colo.; four grandchildren; and three sisters, Barbara Cook of Lavina, Mont., Brenda Richardson of Oswego and Nancy Kirk of Elk City.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

The graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, Cherryvale. Derfelt Funeral Home, Oswego, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to Mount Zion Community Church and can be left at any branch of Community National Bank.