Donald H. Nixon, 89, of Traverse City passed away peacefully with his loving wife and family at his side on Monday, November 22, 2021. Don was born on June 19, 1932 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, he was the only child of the late Orvis and Evelyn (Carlson) Nixon.

He graduated from the Sault High School, class of 1952, and from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, class of 1956. Majoring in thermal dynamics, the study of heat transfer, as well as minoring in jet engine design. After graduating Don went to work at General Motors Research Center in Warren, Michigan. In 1958 he transferred to the GM Buick Motor Division in Flint, Michigan.

Don married the love of his life, the former Angie Salem on May 20, 1962 in Flint, together they raised a son, Greg Nixon, currently of Rochester Hills, Michigan. Greg and his wife Kelly blessed us with four wonderful grandchildren; Matt, Brett, Mia and Allie.

The transfer north to Flint, brought him closer to the outdoors he loved and to the Upper Peninsula. Where he owned a second home on 120 acres with access to Federal and State land with great hunting and snowmobile trails which he enjoyed with family and friends. Along with these friends, Don took many yearly hunting and fishing trips to Canada, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota and Indiana.

He retired from General Motors in June of 1987, after 31 years of service in various Design Engineering and Management positions.

In 1992, after much prodding from their son Greg, Don and Angie moved to Traverse City, where they had enjoyed many happy vacations over the years. Don loved to volunteer, he delivered food for over 14 years for Meals on Wheels and put his building skills to good use with Habitat for Humanity.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Angie, a son Greg (Kelly) Nixon and four grandchildren; Matt, Brett, Mia and Allie.

In accordance with Don's wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of Don's life is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Meals on Wheels, https://meals-on-wheels.com/ or Habitat
for Humanity, https://www.habitat.org/ .

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Don's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .


The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.