Bert Wootton Nixon passed away peacefully Oct. 28, 2023, in St. George, Utah. He was born on Jan. 4, 1931, to Clarence George and Lora Wootton Nixon in Cedar City, Utah.
Bert was a beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Shirley Bradley; their six children: Sherylun Martin (Craig), Richard Wootton Nixon, Kathleen Nixon Voeller (Roydavid), Connie Nixon Baldwin (Lynn), David Bradley Nixon (Jana), and Susan Nixon (Steve Zitting); along with 43 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings: Blaine Thomas Nixon (Marilyn), Evelyn Orchard Gardiner and Neil Kenneth Nixon (Theresa). Bert is preceded in death by his father Clarence; mother Lora; brothers Floyd and Clyde; and sisters Rhea Lou and Dorothy Gene Free.
Bert’s thirst for knowledge led him on a path of education, graduating in 1949 from Cyprus High School. His love for his country led him to serve with honor in the U.S. Army from 1950-52. He pursued his intellectual passions at the University of Utah, earning a bachelor of earth science and master’s degree, followed by a doctorate in education from Brigham Young University while at the same time supporting his wife and children.
Bert’s love for adventure took his wife and six children on an adventure moving to the Tongan Islands from 1962-68 where he taught school at Liahona High School. There he learned to love the Polynesians and experienced many hours of snorkeling the Pacific Ocean, scuba diving, spear fishing, boating and camping on the beaches.
In 1970 the family moved to Rockford, Idaho, where Bert served as principal of Snake River Junior High and High School. In 1980 Bert accepted a position as superintendent of the Firth School District and moved to Firth. Bert later accepted an assistant superintended position with Minidoka School District in Rupert, Idaho, where he finished his working career and retired at the age of 62 and moved to St George where they continued to reside.
Bert’s life was dedicated to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served as a young elder to the Northern States Mission. During his retirement Bert continued his church service with his loving companion Shirley serving an additional seven missions to Honolulu, Hawaii; Suva, Fiji Mission; Salt Lake Family and Church History Mission; National Women’s University of Beijing China; Nauvoo, Illinois Museum Mission; San Diego Temple (Mormon Battalion Historic Site) Mission; and Salt Lake Church History Library Mission. Not only was missionary service important to Bert, but serving in any capacity asked of including Bishop, Bishopric, High Council, Scout Master, Primary teacher and Sunday School teacher. He leaves a legacy of love and dedication to the church.
Anyone who knows Bert, knows him to be a great storyteller. He had a gift for sharing his experiences of hiking, hunting, fishing and travels around the world — all with gratitude to his Father in Heaven. Bert had friends throughout the world. Anyone who met him instantly loved him.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, located at 1327 West 5550 South, Taylorsville, Utah. A viewing will take place from 10-10:45 a.m. Internment services follow at Valley View Memorial, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah.
An additional viewing will be held on Friday, Nov. 3, from 11-11:45 a.m. at Serenity Funeral Home, 1316 South 400 East, St. George.
Family and friends are invited to share tributes online. Arrangements and memorial tree planting by Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, 435-986-9100.