Submitted by
Ken Gates
William
“Bill” Saxton, Sr.
June 22,
1931 – October 1, 2007
William "Bill" Saxton went to be with his Lord and Savior October 1,
2007.
Services were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 4, at Adams Funeral in
Marlin. Graveside procession followed at
Hillcrest Cemetery in Marlin.
Bill was born June 22, 1931, to Mr. Thomas Saxton and Eula Foster Strawn
of Baytown, Texas. He graduated June 23, 1948, from Robert E. Lee High School in
Baytown, and received his associate of arts degree from McLennan Community
College in May 1972. Bill married Norma Rae Allen of Marlin May 5, 1950, at the
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by the Rev. J. R. Allen.
Bill entered the U.S. Navy in January 1951 and served proudly in the
Korean War. He was honorably discharged November 10, 1954. From there, Bill
worked for TP&L until he retired in 1986. Bill began consultant work as a
project engineer for many years to follow. Bill was dedicated to his family and
dearly loved his wife of 57 years. He took great pride in his grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. He was a true leader in our family and was respected by all
who had the honor to meet him. He enjoyed working outside on his tractor and
spending time with family. He took great pride in rebuilding a '36 Ford that
proudly flies an American flag from the window.
Bill was a dedicated Christian man. He was affiliated with the Remnant
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was called by the Lord in the
Priesthood and later received honor as serving as an Elder for the church. He
also served as chief financial officer. He loved the Lord and his church and
strived everyday to be the great Christian man that he was. He lived a long and
full life and made a mark on many lives. He will always be with many in their
hearts and thoughts. He was truly God sent and one of the Lord's workers, and
now he serves alongside his Father, Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Saxton of Baytown; mother,
Eula Foster Strawn of Baytown; step-father, W. E. Strawn of Baytown; sister,
Tommie Lee Graham of Baytown; nephew, Kenneth "Kenny-Boy" Truelock of Baytown;
and his great-granddaughter, Brandolyn Mekarley Faith Russell of Waco.
He is survived by his ever-loving companion and wife, Norma Rae Saxton of
Robinson; sons, William Harold Saxton Jr. and wife, Jean Saxton of Athens, and
Michael Ray Saxton of Robinson; grandchildren, Clay Saxton of Tomball, Texas,
Amber Reachelle Saxton-Russell of Waco, Dustin Michael Saxton of Austin, Kara
Ann Saxton of Bruceville, and Marsha Jo Kilgore of Hubbard; great-grandchildren;
Clayton Cash and Colt McCoy of Tomball, Kaidyance Tristyne Russell of Waco, and
Elizabeth Ruth Kilgore of Hubbard; step-great-grandchildren, Ashley Rushele,
Lewis James and Rachel Nicole Russell of Waco; step great- great-grandchildren,
Brayden Ray Gatlin of Waco; sister, Joy Ruth Truelock and husband, Kenneth
Truelock of Baytown; niece, Candie Frazier of St. Croix, Virgin Islands; great
nephew, Layne Wehmeyer of Anahuae, Texas; his dog, best friend and outdoor
companion, Lucy Saxton; and much more extended family, friends and loved ones.
Pallbearers will be Lonnie Russell, Harvey Walker, David Kilgore, Joe
Rosas, Dustin Saxton and Clay Saxton. Honorary pallbearers will be Spencer
Johnson, Don Rockett, Weldon Reneau and John Smock.