Merle Antony “Tony” Nix 81, of rural Stevens County, KS passed away peacefully on Sunday January 21, 2024 at his home.

He was born on January 9, 1943 to Merle and Florence (Gooch) Nix at Liberal, KS.

Tony was a graduate of Hugoton High School; class of 1961. He also attended university in Lubbock, Texas. He was a devout Christian man who lived a life of service to others.

He loved Ranching and his Horses. He was a member of American Cutting Horse, American Appaloosa Horse, and American Quarter Horse Associations. Tony would often jokingly say that “if they ever did open heart surgery on me they would find a horse”. Tony lived his entire life by the “Cowboy Code”.

Tony had many accomplishments which highlighted his ranching/cowboy heart including a children’s book, “Crystal’s Vision” featuring a filly from Tony’s breeding program. Tony was thrilled to be included as a special guest at the 2023 Tall Grass Film Festival which honored the movie “Trail End” staring Barry Corbin and Tony’s horse Chippen Gold, directed by Shannan Keenan. Shannan affectionately labeled Tony “a renaissance man”. Additionally he grew a comprehensive horse chiropractic practice, as well as a cow/calf and bull breeding business for decades.

Tony is survived by his Son, Brandon (Kelli) Nix of Hugoton, KS; Daughter, Kandee (Mike) Barnes of Canyon, TX; Two Sisters, Janet Anderson of Dallas, TX, Linda Hittle of Hugoton, KS; Grandchildren, Tanner Barnes, Tiffany (Barnes) Howell, Coy Anthony Nix, and Cooper Jo Nix; as well as Forever Life Partner, Lynn Wilson, of Liberal, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, 2:00 pm at the Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Liberal, Kansas, with Pastor Chuck Scroggs, officiating. There will be no public viewing.

Memorials are suggested to be made payable to the WRCA Cowboy Crisis Fund in care of Miller Mortuary PO Box 826 Liberal, KS.

Friends may leave condolences to the family through Tony’s tribute web page at www.millermortuary.net.