Mark A. Hixson, 45, of Scottdale, passed away at 7:36 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, in Excela Health Frick Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. Mark was born Nov. 15, 1966, in Mt. Pleasant, a son of Gaynell Keslar Hixson, of Bullskin Township, and the late James Hixson, who passed away in 1979. Mark married the former Kelly Mulhorn on Aug. 8, 1992. Mark was a devoted husband, son, father, grandfather and brother. He was employed as superintendent of Application, Development, Maintenance, and E-Business at Kennametal Corp. in Latrobe, where he had worked for 24 years. He previously served as senior computer systems analyst for Kennametal and years ago worked at US Airways. He was a lifelong member of the Scottdale Church of Christ, attended Armbrust Christian Academy, and graduated with a BS degree in computer science from St. Vincent College, Latrobe, in 1986. Mark was a member of the Westco Quad Club and enjoyed spending time with his family, his grandson, and pet beagle, Scooter. Mark will be sadly missed by his loving family; his wife of 19 years, Kelly Mulhorn Hixson; his mother, Gaynell Keslar Hixson; his three children, Megan Hixson, of Hunker, and Zachary and Joshua Hixson, both of Scottdale; his grandson, Hayden Adams; his sister, Melissa Reed and husband, David, of Knoxville, Tenn.; his two brothers, Dan Hixson and wife, Anna, of Connellsville, and Tim Hixson and wife, Rebecca, of Scottdale; his five nieces and nephews, Maura and Gabriel Evans, Rachael and Sarah Hixson, and Anthony Reed; several aunts, uncles and cousins; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Linda and Darl Mulhorn, of Bullskin Township; and his two brothers-in-law, Todd Mulhorn and wife, Gretchen, of Kettering, Ohio, and Adam Mulhorn, of Bullskin Township, and his son, Ethan Mulhorn. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Robert and Blanche Keslar; and his paternal grandparents, David and Melinda Hixson. Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale, (724-887-5300 / www.fergusonfunerals.com / GPS: N40 degrees 06.136, W79 degrees 35.278). Family and friends will be received from noon to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday with his pastor, Bob Chambers, officiating. Graveside committal service and interment will follow in Scottdale Cemetery. Love Lasts Forever!