Gene Steffen Nix

Gene Steffen Nix, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, left this earthly world to be with his Heavenly Father on May 16, 2018, at his home in Cleveland, Oklahoma, at the age of 95 years.

Gene was born October 28, 1922, in Cushing, Oklahoma. He was the son of William "Bill" Nix and Emma (Peck) Nix. Gene attended grades 1-8 in Cushing and graduated from Hallett High School. Gene married Juanita Morris Archer on May 19, 1946.

On December 27, 1943, Gene entered the United States Navy during World War II. Throughout his time in the Navy, Gene served on the U.S.S. Lexington in the Pacific Theater as a Gunner's Mate Third Class. During his naval service, Gene was awarded the following medals: American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with eight (8) Battle Stars; World War II Victory Medal; Philippine Liberation Medal with two (2) Battle Stars; and the Navy Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy.

After his honorable discharge from Navy service, Gene was a farmer. He then began to work as a carpenter, working for himself and others, ultimately going to work for Keystone Lumber Co. in Cleveland. Gene continued working for the lumber yard when Dale Carter Lumber Co. bought it, and he later became manager. He continued as manager after T.H. Rogers Lumber Co. purchased the lumber yard, retiring later in that capacity. Over the years, he became a highly skilled carpenter, creating and building many things, including various pieces of furniture and musical instruments - dulcimers and violins - all of which are treasured by his family.

Gene was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Cleveland, serving as a deacon for many years.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife Juanita, sister Juanita Ward and brother Arnold Nix. He is survived by two daughters, Kathy Beavers and husband Lorren of Kingston, Oklahoma, Becky Brooks and husband Larry of Guthrie, Oklahoma; one sister, Lucille Maxwell Ellison and husband Greg of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one grandson, Bryan Beavers and wife Shelly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two great-grandsons, Braxton Beavers and Colton Beavers; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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