Daryl Everson Bixler

1950-2025

SALEM — Daryl Everson Bixler passed away on July 19, 2025, at home in Salem, Ohio from illnesses caused by exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.

He was born Feb. 24, 1950 in Salem to Phillip Ray and Pauline (Everson) Bixler of Greenford, Ohio.

Daryl was a 1968 graduate of Greenford High School. He first worked at Mahoning Culvert then at Highway Heat Systems in Youngstown and finally at Eljers in Salem, as a skilled Welder and Journeyman Pattern maker.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971 and earned six medals while a generator operator for the Tuy Hoa Military Air Base in South Vietnam.

After returning from the service, he met then married Mary Caye Mauro on May 18, 1973.

Daryl had many interests and was well known for his skills in making and playing mountain dulcimers. He had a passion for restoring an early 1800s log cabin at the family retreat property, where many friends and family gathered for Bluegrass music and campouts. He had a photographic memory that added to his lifelong interest in his family history and that of the Civil War and local history. His extensive knowledge greatly aided local historian Dale Shaffer in his writings on these subjects. They spent many hours at Dale’s kitchen table reminiscing.

Daryl took a great deal of pride initiating the installation of an appropriate headstone for Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient, Pvt. Ralph E. Diaz, a Bixler family acquaintance buried at Oakdale Cemetery in Leetonia, Ohio. Daryl’s goal to honor Ralph led to a Nationally awarded headstone design and national media coverage of the 1982 dedication. Ceremonies continue to be held every Memorial Day at the grave site.

Daryl leaves behind Mary Caye, his wife of 52 years and his greatest pride, his two sons and their families, Mark, wife Heather with their children Brandon (Regan) and Brittany, all of Salem, Ohio, Matthew, wife Cassie and their children, Gabby and Rian Klingensmith of Sharpsville, Pa.

Proceeding him were his parents, his brothers, Phillip and Norman, his sisters-in-law Eileen Mauro, Thelma Bixler and Mona Bixler.

He leaves to tell his stories his eldest brother, Larry and his sons, Allen, Jeff and Terry Bixler, all of the Salem area, brother-in-law, Jim Mauro and friend and fellow veteran, Stefanie Graham. In addition, caregivers, Cheryl Oltarzewski and Shelby Grimm of Visiting Angels of Salem.

The family is so grateful for the care given to Daryl these many years from the Veterans Administration on Youngstown Clinic, the Cleveland VA Hospital and Salem Regional Medical Center.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home in Salem, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church. Military service will take place after Mass at the Ohio Western Reserve National Military Cemetery in Seville, Ohio near Wadsworth, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to: St. Paul Church, 935 E. State St., Salem, Ohio, 44460; Salem AMVETS Post 45, 750 S. Broadway, Salem, Ohio 44460; or Sophia Women’s Center, 1830 S. Lincoln Ave., Salem, Ohio 44460.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

To view Daryl’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

7/23/25