ROCHESTER – Larry E. Paxton, 80, Rochester, passed away at 7:10 a.m. Nov. 21, 2015, at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester. He was born July 15, 1935, in Henry Township, a treasured son of Russell and Jessie Landis Paxton. On Jan. 31, 1955, he married Patty L. Bilyew, who survives. Together they shared nearly 61 years of life's adventures. From their union came a beautiful daughter, Deb. Over the years the family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of a granddaughter, Lacey, and two great-granddaughters. Growing up as one of 10 children, he shared his childhood with four brothers and five sisters. With great Flyer pride he graduated from Akron High School in 1953, where he starred on the basketball team. With a passion for agriculture, he enjoyed grain farming until retiring in 1986. During the early years he had a milk route that required lifting the heavy metal milk cans to the truck, prior to the bulk tank era. He later worked for Senco as sales service rep of pneumatic airguns and nailers. During his tenure with Senco, he designed and invented a robotic nailer used in the industrial setting. As the patriarch of the Paxton family he was proud to oversee four generations. He looked forward to family celebrations and the holidays. Remembered as a man with a solid work ethic, he worked seven days a week. As a loving father, he always made time each day for Deb. Many times she accompanied him on the milk route. Other times she stayed at home, but when the milk truck pulled into the drive, not only Deb but the neighborhood kids raced out to greet him, as they all knew it was playtime and game time with him. Later, Patty would beckon them to dinner. The kitchen table was a place of family time. After the completion of the meal the three would relax, talk about the day’s events, and maybe play games, but always set aside time for teaching their preschooler Deb, teaching some lessons to better prepare her for her formal school days ahead. Math lessons would include dice or cards, making it a game and making it fun. When Lacey was a youngster growing up, Grandpa Larry always accompanied her on classroom field trips. They were attired in complimentary clothing, stylish dressed, perfect for the adventure of the day. He never missed an event, always having fun making memories for a lifetime. Left to cherish his memory are a daughter, Deborah Paxton, Rochester; two brothers, Edward Paxton and Earl “Bud” (and spouse Phyllis) Paxton, both of Rochester; a granddaughter, Lacey (and spouse Shaun) O’Keefe, Allentown, Pa.; two great-grandchildren, Carly Elizabeth, 4, and Teagan Kinley, 1; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters: Charlotte Keesey, Neva Stackhouse, Freida Geiger, Edna Curtis, Bonnie Garber; two brothers, James and Harold Paxton; and his father and mother-in-law, Eva Martin (and spouse Joseph) Bilyew. Private family services will be in Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester, with Pastor Larry Pyeatt officiating. Burial will be in Rochester IOOF Cemetery. ***** Condolences via www.goodfamilyfh.com
