Orren Lynn Nixon, 89, of Houston Texas passed away peacefully on September 1, 2011 in Houston due to complications from Parkinson' Disease. He was born on October 5, 1921 in Hemphill, Texas, the son of the late Henry Dalton and Leona Bonibel (Black) Nixon. He was preceded in death by brothers Garth and Bert Nixon and sisters Quinda Rozelle, Ann Iddings and Mary Fern Kohrman.

Lynn graduated from Livingston High School in 1939 and upon graduation attended Baylor University. His studies were interrupted when he proudly chose to serve his country as a Radarman 3rd Class in the Coast Guard during World War II. After an honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Texas to work in Houston where he married Mildred ""Mickey"" Northington who preceded him in death in 1982. Shortly after their marriage, they returned to Livingston where he worked at and later ran the family business(Livingston Wholesale Builders Supply) with his sister Mary Fern and

brother Garth. Lynn later married Mary Joe (Howard) in 1987 who preceded him in death in 2005. Lynn was an active

member of the Livingston Church of Christ for more than 50 years and later rejoined the Central Baptist

Church.

Lynn was a proud member and officer of numerous organizations and civic groups in Livingston over 55 years including the Lions Club and Livingston Chamber of Commerce. As a talented artist, Lynn collected numerous pieces of art over the years including a number of wildlife themed paintings. His many pleasures included the daily newspaper, history, national and global politics, music, a good biographical or historical movie, basketball, fishing, grilling and most of all, spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include: daughters Emily Rose and husband Robert of North Richland Hills, TX; Amy Nixon of Columbia, MO; Meg Bozeman and husband Charlie of Houston, TX; Karen Winship and husband David of Houston, TX; Layne Ann Averyt and husband Bill of College Station, TX; son Russell Howard and wife Jennifer of Plano, TX; grandchildren Tierney and Tess Rose of North Richland Hills, TX; Jade Nixon Leighty of Columbia, MO; Logan and Carson Bozeman of Houston, TX; Erin Fry of Manhattan Beach, CA; Jason Winship of San Anselmo, CA; Zack Averyt of Houston, TX; Jennie Averyt of Austin, TX; Olivia and Georgia Howard of Plano, TX; great-grandchildren Duncan and Bennett Fry of Manhattan Beach, CA; sister-in-law Carolyn Nixon of Livingston, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Lynn' life will be held at Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston on September 24, 2011 at 1 p.m., with visitation prior to the service beginning at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would be very proud to have donations made in his name to the National Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinson.org / 800-327-4545 / 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue, Bob Hope Road; Miami, Florida 33136-1494).