Alvin Homer Nixon

Alvin Homer Nixon, 74, of Hartford, passed away Friday March 17, 2017 at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, where his sense of humor showed until the very end. He died peacefully with a belly full of root beer, surrounded by loved ones, including his “crybaby” granddaughter Sheyenne.  Alvin was born December 13, 1942 to the late Homer and Ida (Buehler) Nixon in Ann Arbor, Michigan, thus beginning his lifelong fondness for the U of M Wolverines.  He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1961, where he and his identical twin brother Alton were star athletes. They were once known to switch jerseys at halftime of a basketball game after one of them had fouled out. He went on to graduate from Western Michigan University with a degree in Education. From there he taught History at St. John’s Junior High School, Lake Michigan Catholic High School and most recently at Dowagiac Union Schools, from where he retired in 2003. He was a favorite teacher to many former students and is remembered for his humorous and engaging teaching methods, his “Pop” quizzes, (literally about pop), and his extra credit questions which were often Detroit Tigers related trivia. Al was an avid Tigers fan, season ticket holder and sports enthusiast. Over the years he coached several sports including baseball, basketball, football and golf. He was a highly respected umpire registered with the MHSAA and was selected to officiate the Michigan baseball state finals. In his retired years he could be found in section 325 Row C Seat 14 unofficially calling plays at Comerica Park. Often times with a grand or great grandchild on his lap, thus creating three generations of diehard Tigers fans.  His family and friends will remember him for his love of animals, sense of humor, practical jokes, trips to the casinos, and passion for history and traveling. His comical vacation antics earned him the nickname “Clark Griswold” with his family.  On November 19, 1966 Alvin married Esther (Stahl). As fate would have it the church was being remodeled so the ceremony was held on the free-throw  line of the gym at St. Mary’s in Chelsea, MI. Though they recently celebrated their Golden Anniversary, there is some confusion about their first date. Esther insists it took several attempts before agreeing to the date, but on his deathbed, Alvin wanted the “record to show” that she said yes the first time he asked.  Alvin is survived by Esther, his wife of 50 years, three children; Natalie (Bill) Rowe, Holly Delaney and Richard M. Nixon (yep, really!), six grandchildren; Matthew Rowe, Shenise (Tyler) Roots, Sierra Delaney, Serena Delaney, Sheyenne Delaney and Alexa Nixon, three great grandchildren; Tayson Roots, Avery Roots and Meadow Walduck, two brothers; Ted (Jeanette) Nixon and his twin Alton Nixon, (with whom he could never agree on directions, details of a story, or who had the hardest paper route). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.  In honoring Alvin’s wishes, he has been cremated and there will be no formal funeral services. His family will hold a celebration of his life on Monday March 27th at the Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor at 5:00 p.m.  Where friends are encouraged to wear Baseball gear and share memories. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks and Mechinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph, MI. In keeping with his sense of humor, memorial donations can be made to the Detroit Tigers so they can buy a decent pitching staff. Those wishing to leave online condolences may do so at  http://www.starks-menchinger.com