Lewis H. Hixson (1919)

HIXSON, MACK

Posted By: Kent Transier
Date: 3/11/2014 at 17:24:57

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, February 19, 1919
Page 3, Column 1

Mortuary

Lew H. Hixson

Lew H Hixson was born in Vinton county, Ohio March 16, 1864. After sclerosis he passed away at his home, 1181 Santee street, Los Angeles, Calif., Jan 22, 1919 at 3:50 p. m.. The disease being painless, he suffered no pain only as temporary conditions would arise, but the intense weakness and helplessness which crept upon him day by day was excruciating and left him perfectly helpless after the first two years. He grew worse Sunday night Jan. 19th and after three days the end came peacefully and without a struggle, just fell asleep in Jesus.

At the age of 14 years he moved with his parents to Iowa. After finishing his education he was engaged in school work for a number of years. It was while filling the position of principal of the Macksburg high school that he met Miss Onie E. Mack of Macksburg, Iowa to whom he was married Mar. 7, 1894. They lived in Chicago for 7 years, moving to Des Moines, Iowa, in October, 1901 and on January 6, 1916 left their home for Los Angeles, on account of his health. After being engaged in education work for many years he was later interested in mercantile and manufacturing businesses until his health failed.

He was converted and gave his heart to the Lord when 17 years of age, united with the M. E. church in 1894 in Harvey Ill. After moving to Des Moines he with his wife united with Grace M. E. church of which he continued to be a faithful member. He was elected the first president of the Brotherhood of St. Paul of Grace church, was also the teacher in the Sunday school for 8 years and did not cease his labors in the church until compelled to do so because of failing health. His devotion to his wife, his home, and his church knew no bounds. As his health failed and his earthly hopes and ambitions were shattered, it caused he and his wife to more fully surrendered to God and to cry out for real joy in their souls in the face of adversity knowing that their loving heavenly father would not have them bowed down beneath disappointment, sorrow and suffering.

God heard their cry and it was while spending the summer of 1915 in Petoskey, Mich., that they came in touch with the Pentecostal people who were preaching and teaching a full gospel for spirit, soul and body which touched a responsive chord in their hearts and brought comfort peace and real joy to their souls, as the deeper truths of God were brought forth through the word of God. And as the dear sufferer grew weaker and weaker day by day, his faith was anchored in Jesus as never before and as he lay upon his bed so weak and helpless, God often spoke to him by word or vision, which drew him nearer and nearer his blessed Redeemer and so enabled him to bear his afflictions that not a murmur or complaint came from his lips and the patience, submissiveness and fortitude which he manifested were a consistent inspiration to all who came into his presence.

Just a few hours before the end came he said to his wife " Jesus is going to take me home," and he was so eager glad to go. Only a short time ago, he saw the heavenly city and the pearly gates open. And as he seemingly was walking along the streets of the new Jerusalem and was shown the beautiful white mansions, as he stood beholding the beauty of one, a voice said to him this is your home. This vision stood before him for many days and made him all the more eager to go. And as he got over the river into that heavenly home, he truly met his Lord, for as he lay in the casket he was not as one dead, for gloriously alive in Christ for a halo of glory surrounded his face, which was clearly visible to many who look upon his precious face.

The impressive funeral services were held in Bethel Temple church, Los Angeles, conducted by the pastor, Rev. G. N. Eldridge, assisted by Rev. Denny, Mr. Freimark and others. The texts were 2 Cor. 5:1, Isa. 26:3, John 14. The host of friends who had met him and loved him since their arrival in Los Angeles comforted him and his wife during his illness and death and left nothing undone or no word unspoken that would add to their comfort.

He leaves a wife, two sisters, one a missionary in Shanghai China; a brother in a Augusta, Ga., and a number of nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends as none knew him but to love him. The precious earthly dust was placed in a receiving vault in Los Angeles where it will remain for a time and later Mrs. Hixson to return with the body to Des Moines, Iowa, where it will be placed in the mausoleum in Glendale cemetery to await the resurrection morning.

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