BOURBON – Jerry Lee Claxon, 56, Tippecanoe, passed away peacefully Sept. 19, 2014, at his residence with his family at his side. He was born Sept. 27, 1957, in Ashland, Ohio, to Thomas H. and Lois Parsons Claxon. On June 7, 1980, he married Margaret Ockerman, who survives. He had been a resident of Tippecanoe the past 30 years. He was a 1975 graduate of East Carter County High School, Grayson, Ky. He also served in the U.S. Air Force from June 18, 1975, until June 15, 1979. He was graciously employed at Aero Metals (American Metal Testing) of LaPorte. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the care and generosity of his employer throughout his illness. He was a member of Grace Outreach Fellowship Church, Tippecanoe. He was a member of the Bourbon American Legion Post #424 and American Society for Non-destructive Testing. He loved softball games, cars, NASCAR – he was particularly a Jeff Gordon fan – and spending time with his kids and grandchildren. He was very much loved by his family and will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Also surviving are four daughters: Sarah (and spouse Jerrie) Claxon-Goodenough, Portage; Mary (and spouse Billy) Hayes and Katie Claxon, at Bethel College, all of Tippecanoe; Melissa (and spouse John) Koch, Mentone; nine grandchildren: Makayla, Holly, Raylee, Wyatt, Abby, Kennlea, Lily, Abraham and Holliann; a sister, Julie Claxon, Wheelersburg, Ohio; two brothers, John and Tommy Claxon, both of Raceland, Ky.; and stepmother, Jackie Claxon, Raceland, Ky. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles Claxon. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Grace Outreach Fellowship Church, Ind. 331, Tippecanoe, with Larrie Kreft of the church officiating. Burial is in Tippecanoe Cemetery with military honors. Calling is from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, 115 S. Main St., Bourbon. ***** Memorials in Katie’s name to Bethel College Softball Program, where his daughter plays softball. Condolences may be sent via deatonclemensfh.com
