Obituary of Richard Haxel

Richard "Dick" or “Dickie” Frederick Haxel, age 74, passed away Friday, January 10^th, after battling an aggressive onset of IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis). He was surrounded by his beloved wife, three children and best friend, Ginger the dog.

Dick was a charismatic, fun-loving, multi-talented man.  Born in Purcell, Oklahoma, he spent his childhood in the Oklahoma City Metro area. Dick was a 1963 graduate of John Marshall High School and received his BS from University of Oklahoma in 1969.  A gifted athlete in his youth, he had a successful wrestling career from junior high through his college years, winning the Oklahoma State Championship, the Oklahoma State Tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler Award, and various top national rankings.  Dick continued to share his talents and love for the sport for many years by coaching young wrestlers, including his own son. 

A dedicated soldier with the US Army, Dick served in the Vietnam War as first lieutenant, Company B, 54^th battalion, and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. His lifetime career was in manufacturing, and he managed factories located in Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri, and opened his own factory, Haxel Manufacturing during the early 1980s in Hereford, Texas.  Dick loved his family and devoted his time to attending his kids’ sporting events and countless activities.  He also loved fishing, boating, music, and cheering on the OU Sooners. Thanks to a lifetime of hard work, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of retiring at The Lake of the Ozarks.  

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Lillian Haxel of Oklahoma City, and his younger brother, Michael Haxel. He is survived by his dear wife of 47 years, Margaret Wells Haxel, his younger sister, Linda Finch, and sister-in-law, Diane Haxel.  Also surviving are his daughter, Dana (Jeff) Jazwinski, grandchildren Jackson and Lillian, daughter Holly (Matt) McDannold, grandchildren Nash and Nora, and son Phillip (Shannon) Haxel, grandchildren Wyatt and Scarlett as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

A memorial service celebrating Dick’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at Pathway Memorial Funeral Home in Moberly, MO with Military Honors at the conclusion. The family will receive guests from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dick’s honor are appreciated to Moberly Wrestling, c/o Pathway Memorial Funeral Home, P O Box 367, Moberly, MO 65270.