Bowling Green — Ronald D. Bixler, 80, of Bowling Green passed away on October 17, 2026.
He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1946 to Carl Edward and Violet Bixler, coming to Bowling Green to attend WKU in 1964. He received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1968 and a master’s degree in Counseling in 1993 from WKU where he was a member of Kappa Gamma Chi/Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Ron worked at LifeSkills as Vice President of Behavioral Health until he retired in 1997. He was also a licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and was on the State Board that certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors.
He was the Director of a Psychiatric Program for Greenview Hospital in 1997-98. He worked for the Cumberland County Hospital in Burkesville as the Director of the Psychiatric Treatment Program from 1998 – 2003. Ron worked a variety of programs during his career. He was the Administrative Assistant to the City Manager in Bowling Green; a City Manager of Lake Park Florida; Division Director of Staff Services for the Kentucky Department of Justice; and as an Economic Planner for the Barren River Area Development District. He was predeceased by his parents and an older brother Robert.
Ron belonged to the Green River Gun Club and spent time target shooting and participating in various competitions held by the club. He served on the Board of Directors for Hope Harbor and on the board for the Haven for Change recovery program. Ron had 44 years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. He attended Hillvue Heights Church.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Chris; 2 children – Michael of Paducah, KY and Michelle of Nashville a brother Richard of Fairfax, Virginia, and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life visitation on Sunday October, 25, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at Hardy & Son Funeral Home, Bowling Green Chapel
The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Humane Society, 1925 River St., Bowling Green, KY 42101
The family wishes to give a special thank you to Hosparus for all of the love, support and kindness they showed to the patient and family.
