William E. Bixby, a resident of Deerfield for 44 years, died Jan. 21, 2004 at the age of 83. William was born Dec. 5, 1920 in Rockford, IL. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Northern Illinois University and taught physics at Wabash College in Indiana to Navy V-5 recruits during WWII. After the War, Bill and his bride, Dorothy, moved to Columbus where he pursued his Master’s Degree at Ohio State University. It was during this time that he became a member of a young group of scientists at Battelle Research Institute in Columbus who were pioneering in methods of photo imaging technology. Bill discovered the photoconductive properties of selenium which is a key element in the process of photocopying. He holds 53 patents in the field. He continued his career at Bell & Howell, A.B. Dick and Royal-Konica, retiring in 1986. He received the Kosar Memorial Award in 1972 for outstanding contributions in the area of unconventional photography or imaging and a service award in 1983 from the Society for Imaging Science and Technology. Bill moved with his family to Deerfield in 1959. A true handyman about the home, Bill also enjoyed gardening, square dancing and round dancing, birding, and took an active interest in community affairs. He was a longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church. Sang in the choir and served on numerous committees. William is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy, nee Mercer; his brother, Milton (Esther) Bixby; his daughters, Janet Bixby and Susan Sandholm; grandchildren, Sarah (Ken) Friedberg and Tim (Holly) Sandholm; and greatgrandson, Joshua Friedberg. The family suggests memorials may be sent in his name to Christ United Methodist Church, Accessibility Fund, 600 Deerfield Rd., Deerfield, IL 60015 or Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709-3498.
