Rowdy Aaron Nixon Obituary (1973 - 2021)

ROWDY AARON NIXON 1973 2021 Born March 29, 1973 in Tyler, Texas, Rowdy Aaron Nixon was every bit as unique as his befitting first name - a name that even his own mother didn't plan on him having. A fan of the TV series Rawhide, Rowdy's dad surreptitiously provided hospital staff with his newborn son's name in tribute to Clint Eastwood's character, Rowdy Yates, without running it by Mom first. Rowdy aspired to wear a cowboy hat when he grew up... or better yet, sooner. As a pre-teen, for instance, he begged unsuccessfully for his mom to sign a waiver so he could ride a bucking bronco at a local rodeo. As he progressed through his formative years, Rowdy's stunts were constantly reaching new heights, sometimes literally: climbing the Christmas tree at the bank, for instance, or landing tricks on a half-pipe in his El Centro backyard. After graduating from Central Union High School, during which time he thrived in wood shop and worked part-time at Driscoll's Surf and Skate Shop, Rowdy traded in his cowboy hat for a Dixie Cup, the white cap worn by Sailors in the U.S. Navy. For the next four years, Rowdy would serve his country as a damage controlman on board the USS Kitty Hawk. Petty Officer Nixon completed his service honorably, earning several medals and commendations during multiple WESTPAC deployments. The end of his military years did not mean he was done with public service: Rowdy exchanged his Dixie Cup for a fireman's helmet, spending the next two decades with the Federal Fire Department at Naval Air Facility El Centro. A certified EMT and firefighter, Rowdy also worked as a fire marshal safety inspector. His final headgear swap came when he picked up a hardhat earlier this year, earning certification as a heavy-equipment operator. Again serving his community, Rowdy used his newly earned credentials to help clear trees destroyed in wildfires. Rowdy wore many hats in his 48 years, and held several important jobs. But by far, his favorite was being a dad. Tirelessly and wholly devoted to his son, Ryli-James Aaron Nixon, Rowdy volunteered as a football, baseball and BMX coach, not only to Ryli-James but also youth across the valley. He also enjoyed sharing his passions for old cars, skateboarding, surfing, golf and Johnny Cash with the many friends he made during his three decades living in El Centro. Rowdy is survived by his wife, Catherine Nixon; son, Ryli-James; his mother, Jennifer Yturralde (Dr. Guy); siblings, Amanda Carpowich (Mark), Dana Smith (Craig) and Ty Yturralde (Amy); and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Nixon. A viewing will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 29, at Frye Chapel & Mortuary in Brawley. A memorial mass will be held Saturday, October 30, at 8 a.m. at St. Mary Parish in El Centro.