Mark F. Hixson

MarkF. Hixson, 71, of Scottdale, passed away unexpectedly as a result of a motorcycle accident on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. He was born November 6, 1954, in Connellsville, to the late Earl and Anna Mae (Herrington) Hixson.

A graduate of Southmoreland High School, Class of 1972, Mark was a dedicated tinkerer of engines: a passion that found its perfect home in his lifelong career as owner and operator of Hixson-Graft, Inc., in Scottdale, where he spent decades keeping the vehicles of area families and businesses road-worthy. If it had a motor, Mark had an opinion about it (of course, even if it didn’t have a motor, Mark probably had an opinion about it!).

Mark was a dedicated member and Deacon of the Center Bethel Church of God in Alverton, where he served his faith community with sincerity and quiet devotion; though, like all the best grandpas, he occasionally punctuated a sermon with a well-earned nap. He was also a lifelong and passionate motorcycle rider and a past member of the Harley Owners Group (HOG). Mark loved nothing more than the open road, and he shared many miles with his wife Sharon and their good friend Jerry Steiner; the trio called themselves, with great affection and a little mischief, "The Traveling Snides."

Mark was a life member of the Amateur Trap Shooting Association (ATA) and was regarded by many as an icon and mentor within the trap shooting community. Over the course of his shooting career, he accumulated an impressive collection of local, state, and national awards, trophies, and titles: the culmination of a steady hand and a lifetime of dedication. For many years, Mark shot alongside his best friend Joe Davis, a dynamic duo that lasted until Joe's passing. For over a decade, Mark was also part of a squad of five lifelong friends (Mark Shimchick, Alex Ohr, Rudy Kukrin, and Glenn Lash) who shot together with the kind of easy camaraderie that only comes from years of shared passion for their sport.

For many years, Mark also found himself, through no fault of his own and entirely through the enthusiastic insistence of his wife, accompanying a dear group of friends on camping trips. Whether he ever truly warmed up to the camper way of life remains a matter of some debate, but because he understood that a happy wife means a happy life, he showed up and set up camp every time.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon D. (Helsley) Hixson; his daughters, Ashley Vidale (Paul) and Malinda "Mindi" Pfoutz; his beloved grandchildren, Zoey Nutter, Francesca Vidale, Vivian Vidale, and Brody Nutter; his siblings, Sue Booher (Dennis), Bryan Hixson (Hope), Todd Hixson (Lyn), and Emily Fantuzzo (Rev. Christopher); his brother-in-law Edward Helsley, and the many nieces and nephews he loved very much. Mark is also survived by Ember, the Pomeranian he absolutely did not ask for and definitely loved more than he ever let on.

In addition to his parents, and close friends Joe and Glenn, Mark was preceded in death by his brother, Earl F. Hixson, Jr., and his father- and mother-in-law, Jack Helsley and Lois Moore.

"Work here is done. I'm needed elsewhere now... To speak the plain truth, it's getting pretty damn dull around here." — Blazing Saddles (Mark's favorite)

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 1–4 PM and 6–8 PM at Graft-Jacquillard Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 303 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale. Mark's funeral service will be held Monday, May 18, at 11 AM at Center Bethel Church of God, 428 Ruffsdale Alverton Road, Alverton, PA 15612, with Pastor Jason Kramer officiating. Interment will follow at Alverton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mark F. Hixson to Bikers Against Child Abuse at www.bacaworld.org. For online condolences, please visit www.gjfuneral.com

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