Lanny Wayne Bixel

Lanny Wayne Bixel, 85, of Willoughby, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at his home.

He graduated from the former Willoughby Union High School, class of 1954 and attended Muskingum College. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps before marrying and starting his family.

Lanny began his career in finance, but because of his love for good food and nutrition, entered the food service industry, first as the food service director for Willoughby-Eastlake Schools and then as a purchasing executive with several firms in the private sector.

He was a lifelong sports fan – especially football. He was a talented football player, loved watching his sons excel on the field, and proudly coached numerous young men in the Willoughby Football League. He also enjoyed gardening, wood refinishing, fishing, camping and family.

In retirement, Lanny let his white hair and beard grow and became Santa Claus to many children at the Great Lakes Mall and Beachwood Mall during the holiday season for 15 years. It was, by far, one his favorite “jobs” and brought him much joy.

Lanny is survived by his bride of 64 years, Marjorie “Midge” (nee: Wells) Bixel; sons, Ron (Janice) Bixel and Mike (Beth) Bixel; daughter, Diane (Mark) Trubiano; grandchildren, Ashley (Cullen) Harris, Alyssa (Ethan) Bezanson, Chelsea (Joe) Haglage, Tyler (Holly) Bixel, Kaia Trubiano, Michael Bixel, Max Trubiano and Margo Trubiano; great-grandchildren, Cooper, Paisley, Keegan, Beckett, Oaklyn, Mia and a new baby due in July. He also leaves his faithful pet dachshund, Albert.

He was preceded in death by his parents, H. Wayne and Dorothy (Eckart) Bixel; his sister and brother-in-law, Edith and Russell Vermilye; in-laws, Walter and Florence Wells and his many rescued dachshunds.

Out of an abundance of caution due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be no calling hours and a private family service will be held.

In lieu flowers, in Lanny’s memory, the family encourages contributions to Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice, 38879 Mentor Avenue, Willoughby, OH 44094 or the McKinley Community Outreach Food Bank, 1200 Lost Nation Road, Willoughby, OH 44094 or your favorite animal rescue group.

Arrangements entrusted to Davis-Babcock Funeral Home, Willoughby. Please share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.davisbabcock.com