Obituary of Keyton Nixon SR

Keyton H. Nixon, Sr. Age 85, of New Lenox, IL, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home. Born May 27, 1923 in Carthage, MO to the late Virgil and Vivian Nixon. A U.S. Navy Veteran who served during WWII. A graduate of Drury College, Springfield, MO with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Mr. Nixon received a Masters degree in Hospital Administration from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He retired from Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet in 1990 after serving as President/CEO for 20 years. He was previously employed as CEO of Burbank Hospital in Fitchburg, MA, Audrain Medical Center, Mexico, MO as Administrator, and Cox Medical Center, Springfield, MO as Administrative Resident. Mr. Nixon is survived by his sons, Larry Nixon of New Lenox, IL and Brent Nixon of Pillipson, MA; one sister, Ruth Netherly of Joplin, MO; one niece, Annette; and one nephew, David Netherly. Preceded in death by his wife Sally L. nee Weygandt (1998); son, Keyton, Jr. (1991); and his parents. A member of the American Hospital Association, Illinois Hospital Association, Missouri Hospital Association (past President), Hospital Presidents Association and the American College of Health Care Executives. In addition to his distinguished career in Hospital Administration, Mr. Nixon was a member of several clubs, boards and professional organizations including the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce, Joliet/Will County Center for Economic Development, College of St. Francis Special Advisory Board, Salem Village Board of Directors, Will-Grundy Medical Clinic, United Way, Rotary and the Boy Scouts of America. He was the recipient of the Silver Cross Sehring Medal of Excellence in Healthcare in 2005, the Silver Beaver Award-Rainbow Council of Boy Scouts highest honor, and was also the 22nd inductee of the Joliet/Will County Hall of Pride in 1990. After retirement, he volunteered as Director of the Rialto Theatre, assisting in the guidance of the renovation and rejuvenation of one of Joliet's "Gems". He also enjoyed golf and euchre. Mr. Nixon will be remembered by many for his warm personality, his uncanny recall of old friends and coworkers names, as well as the sense of community, or perhaps the "family environment" he created for fellow coworkers at all levels, during his tenure at Silver Cross Hospital, allowing all to flourish in serving the healthcare needs of the Joliet Community. Funeral services for Keyton H. Nixon will be Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Nixon will then be transferred to the Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO for extended services and interment in Ozark Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Silver Cross Hospital Foundation or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. Visitation Tuesday, from 4-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information (815) 741-5500