Wayne Hixenbaugh

Wayne Hixenbaugh, 83, of Avella, died on Friday, June 29, 2018, in Premier Washington Health Center, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on 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 Kindom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Washington congregation. Mr. Hixenbaugh worked for Brockway Glass for thirty years, until they closed in 1984, and for thirteen 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 enjoyed tennis. On December 2, 1954, he married Sarah Ann Hewitt, who died on 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. The family would like to express their appreciation for the wonderful and compassionate care he received from the Washington Health System, Donnell House and the Premier Washington Health Center. Friends will be received on Monday, July 2, 2018, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, PA, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.