Asa Riffe Nixon, 38, of San Angelo, TX left us early on January 1, 2021.
Asa was born on November 29, 1982 in Alpine, TX to Gene and Rachael Nixon. He grew up on the family ranch south of Marfa, TX. Those early years living on the ranch formed a deep love of the outdoors and a keen sense of adventure. His horizons were further broadened when his family lived in Paris, France, where his dad worked at Disneyland Paris in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. While there, he attended an International school at a chateau and learned to speak French. They eventually settled in Eldorado, TX, where he finished school. A gifted athlete, he played football, ran track and cross country, played baseball and basketball, and also proudly played the baritone in the marching band. He graduated a year early from Eldorado High School in 2000.
Asa couldn’t be contained by a classroom. Ever the adventurer, he headed for the mountains and worked at ski resorts in New Mexico and Colorado. When he was given the opportunity to take over his family’s hunting business, it was a perfect fit. Being the owner/outfitter of Desert Mountain Guide Service allowed him to travel the United States and around the world. He was blessed to have many hunting clients and colleagues who became lifelong friends along the way. Asa was quite the entertainer and a natural storyteller. He never knew a stranger and made friends everywhere he went.
The two true loves of his life were his daughters, Aislin and Avery. They were his princesses, his greatest accomplishments, and his entire world. He was so proud of them. He loved spending time with them at the ranch, fishing with them at the creek, and attending their sporting events. He especially loved having his girls with him in hunting camp. The best of him lives on in them.
He is survived by his daughter Aislin Nixon and her mother Cheyenne Walker, his daughter Avery Nixon and her mother Alex Tharp, his parents Gene and Rachael Nixon, grandmother Jane Bryant Shurley, his brother Caleb Nixon, his sister Hannah Goodman and husband Creel Goodman, niece Alexia Goodman, nephew Sawyer Goodman, his faithful dog, Wheeler, and more true friends than could possibly be named.
Asa never stood on ceremony or convention, so the family is planning a private memorial celebration at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a college saving account has been set up for his daughters. To contribute, go to Venmo @avery-aislin, PayPal.me/averyaislin, or a check can be sent to the First National Bank of Eldorado, PO Box 737, Eldorado, TX, 76936. Please write Aislin and Avery Nixon in the memo section.
The world is dimmer without his humor, his laugh, or his infectious smile. With two fingers up, a double fist pump, and a yep!yep! we say adios. Keep the campfire burning, Asa-boy. Until we meet again, love ya, bye. Kemon!
