Vincent Nixon

Vincent "Benny" Nixon, 88, of Decatur, died Sunday, September 11, 2011, at Blessing Hospital, Quincy, Illinois. Visitation will be held at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday. Following cremation, burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Riverton, IL on Thursday. Benny was born June 2, 1923 in Decatur, the son of Charles Holly and Maude (Dearman) Nixon. He married Dorothy Jane Ellis in Decatur on April 21, 1946. Benny was a U.S. Army veteran serving in Hawaii during WWII. He was later recalled to further service during the Korean Conflict . After the Army, Benny worked for Sunbeam Bread Company for 17 years and was known as "Benny the Breadman." His route included Argenta, Deland-Weldon, Farmer City, and other towns northeast of Decatur. Benny also worked for Decatur Public Schools District #61 doing various jobs including driving busses, but mostly he delivered hot lunches to many schools. After his retirement, Benny and Dorothy wintered in Chimney Park, Texas, near Brownsville, Texas, for 19 years. Benny was a member of the Central Illinois Vintage Car Club and the Model T Ford Club of America. Among the many antique vehicles he had owned were a 1926 Model TT truck, 1948 Chevrolet, 1931 Model A Ford, a 1954 Chevrolet fire truck, and a John Deere Tractor, which was restored by the Stephen Decatur High School Automotive Class. Benny was a member of Life Foursquare Church and enjoyed watching the television show "All in the Family." He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Decatur; daughters Connie Jean Wilber of Decatur and Beverly Diane Stoll (Henry) of Beason; three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. People who knew Benny will remember his good-natured spirit, helpfulness, and also his ornery sense of humor. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com "
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