ST. LOUIS -- The father of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has died, his family said Friday.
Jeremiah (Jerry) Nixon, 90, passed away of natural causes at his home in St. Louis while surrounded by his family.
“Throughout his life, my father was driven by a commitment to leave his community better than he found it, and that’s exactly what he did. A larger-than-life figure who cherished his family, served his country, and loved the outdoors, he taught me and my sisters about the value of public service and the dignity of a hard day’s work," said Gov. Jay Nixon in a statement.
Nixon served in the United States Navy during World War II and the United States Army during the Korean War. He received his law degree from the Universe of Missouri and established his own practice in Hillsboro. He also served as a municipal judge and the mayor of De Soto.
During the course of his career, Nixon was involved in the establishment of Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Jefferson College, and Mastodon State Historic Site. He also served as Scoutmaster of Troop 559 in De Soto and was involved in numerous civic organizations including the Governor Thomas Fletcher Home in Hillsboro.
Jerry Nixon is survived by his wife of 32 years, Katy, and their three children, Melinda, Jeremiah and Penelope; and five grandchildren, Alex, Bess, Frank, Jeremiah and Will.
Funeral services will be held at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto.
