Sammy Cole Bixler

Sammy (Sam) Cole Bixler, 93, of Chandler, AZ passed away peacefully on April 1, 2024. He was born July 19, 1930, in Corning, Iowa to William and Velma Bixler. He married his wife, Claudean Ann Lundhigh, on September 28, 1951. They shared a wonderful life for 72 years. Sam loved his family tremendously; he was a devoted husband, father, and a good friend to all who surrounded him.   

Sam spent his early years helping with the family farm. Eager to move out West, he packed his car and he and Claude moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1963. They lived in numerous cities in and around Arizona and finally settled in Chandler and owned a second home in Munds Park. Sam and Claude had one daughter, Becky, and an endless supply of friends and acquaintances whom they enjoyed going through life with.

He was a talented man with a keen eye for fashion and design, so he worked in an upscale shop until he decided to venture out on his own and opened up Bixler’s Interior Design. 

Sam was a man of many interests and hobbies that included commercial modeling, where he posed for numerous advertisements and store catalogs, mostly in his favorite golfing attire. He was a self-taught golfer with a 2 handicap, and an avid hunter. In his youth, he was a boxer who was very proud of his achievements. He was passionate about exercising and for many years, led exercise classes in his communities and at the YMCA. He loved to read Western novels and watch vintage Western movies. 

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jimmy and Frank Bixler, and sister, Cherryl Jamison, and his daughter, Becky. He is survived by his lovely and devoted wife, Claudean Ann Bixler, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local YMCA.