Patrick Edward Nixon's Obituary
Patrick E. Nixon
Patrick E. Nixon was born on 10 December 1946 in Hollywood, CA, the tenth of eleven children. His parents & siblings lived in California until Patrick was 10 years old; it was then that the family moved to Phoenix, AZ. Patrick played football throughout his high school years & worked his H.S. summers in N. Arizona lumber mills. When Patrick was 17 years old, he joined the U.S.M.C. – 13 July 1964. He stated he would never forget the day he placed his feet on the yellow footprints at boot camp.
He had 2 tours of duty in Viet Nam & later a Black Ops when the paperwork stated he was in Japan, but in reality, he was in Viet Nam. In fact, Patrick & his father-in-law, Earl (Bernie)V. Mills were in Viet Nam at the same time -- Patrick was in the USMC -- Bernie was in the Army -- Patrick would joke with Bernie & remind him that the young marines & soldiers would call Bernie (then in his 30s) an old man. Patrick loved the Corp -- it was his 1st love & he would be true to the USMC until the very end. It was during Viet Nam that he was seriously injured in a helicopter crash -- his right ankle was shattered & he was shipped stateside for multiple surgeries & physical therapy. He received the Purple Heart for his injury. Patrick wanted to return to active duty & did all the physical therapy so his injury could heal. He eventually found a doctor that would certify him to return to active-duty status.
This was the deal -- the doctor was a Navy surgeon -- he certified that Patrick was able to return to active duty, contingent that Patrick goes into the Navy. Patrick thought to himself, Okay -- I can do this -- I could become a SEAL. Well, he did not become a SEAL. But sometime during his stint in the Navy, he must have demonstrated Leadership qualities -- Patrick at some point stated to someone in a Command position that he was interested in being an officer. At that time, the individual in Command told him that the best way to become an officer was to go into Officer Candidate School (OCS), & at that specific time, the best way to do that was to go Green -- so he finished his time in the Navy & then went into the Army. He did go to OCS. He eventually was in a Command Position, attaining the rank of Capt. & was in Special Forces. He traveled far & wide. His last Theater of Operation was the 1st Persian Excursion in 1991. During the years, he was in every hot spot except Grenada; when Grenada broke out, Patrick was in Korea.
To this day, there are entire families that would not be here if it were not for him because he never left a man behind.
Patrick continued his service to others by being a member of the Civil Air Patrol (20 years), he reached the grade of Lt. Col. & served in 4 wings -- DE, MD, AZ, & TX. Even in 2021, he & his service dog, Bella assisted the TX WG with Operation Pulse Lift at JBSA, Lackland AFB. He enjoyed talking to the basic military trainees after their blood draw & encouraged them as they started their USAF careers. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, & a Lifetime Member of the Marine Corp League. His CORE Values were an integral part of him.
Recall the words of Gen George S. Patton, "It is foolish & wrong to mourn the men who died. rather we should thank God that such men lived".
Patrick is survived by his children: Angel Wells, Amy Martin, Jennifer Nixon, Joseph Nixon, & Zachary Nixon – he & his former wife, Joann Miller were blessed with these children.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Jean-Marie Nixon, along with her children: Anna Tribble, Robert Hughes, & Michelle Hughes. He has numerous grandchildren & great-grand-children.
He is survived by his brother Mike Nixon & his sister, Eileen Gore, & cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and other siblings, most recently, his youngest sister Lilli Farwell.
He died at home on 5 June 2023.
Patrick requested No Flowers for his Funeral Service – his request in leu of flowers -- charitable donations be made to either the Marine Corp League, Knights of Columbus, Civil Air Patrol, or Wounded Warriors.
Letters of condolences may be sent to www.traderfh.com
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