Roland Maurice Bixby, 93, of Wentworth, and later Simpsonville, South Carolina, passed away on Oct. 17, 2025.
He was born Nov. 2, 1931, in Warren, to Maurice Harlan Bixby and Mildred Adaline Hunkins Bixby.
He was preceded in death by siblings, Verona Blake (Ernest) and Robert Bixby (Margaret). He is survived by his sister, Virginia Cressy (Kenneth) of Glendale, California; and by sons Don Wilson Bixby (Joan) of Peru, Illinois, and Kenneth Maurice Bixby (Clara) of Fountain Inn, South Carolina; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Roland graduated from Orford High School in Orford, in 1949, receiving the Balfor Scholastic Award in 1948 for the highest academic average. He graduated in 1954 from Providence Bible Institute (now Barrington College) with a bachelor of arts in communications, and later received his master's degree in education from Indiana University.
As a lifelong educator and learner, he was the founder of the Indiana Reading Association sponsored by the Indiana State Teacher's Association. He became a reading supervisor for five Greensburg, Indiana, public schools. He also worked at Purdue University as a part-time instructor. In 1966, he founded the Elston Adult Day School in Lafayette, Indiana. In 1971, he was honored with the Governor Orr Annual Teacher's Award. He was twice listed in Who's Who of American Education. He was founder and president of the Lafayette Writing Club for three years.
In 1991, Roland retired from teaching after 34 years and returned to his home state of New Hampshire. He wrote 34 books over his lifetime, finishing his last book at 93 years old. He studied history and wrote history books, biographies, and family genealogy. In 1985, Roland founded the Warren Historical Society in Warren. He headed the project for an addition to the Warren Joseph Patch Library. He was the founder of the Plymouth Writing Club.
Roland was an avid reader, enjoyed spinning yarns, woodworking, traveling, and playing his violin, accordion, and piano with friends at square dance clubs, nursing homes, churches and schools.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting thomasmcafee.com.
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