John T Paxton

John T. Paxton, 87, of Hannibal, Missouri, passed away at 3:45 PM, Friday, November 26, 2021, at his residence in Hannibal, Missouri. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, December 3, 2021, at the James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, Missouri. Deacon Troy Egbert will officiate. Burial with full military honors by Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post 55 will be at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal, Missouri. Friends and Family are invited to John's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, December 2, 2021, at the funeral home. John was born March 2, 1934, in Sedalia, Missouri to Alfred Paxton and Jewel Woolery Paxton. John was married to Mary Martha Smith on September 15, 1962, in Hannibal, Missouri. Survivors include his 5 children, John D. Paxton (Sandra) of Belton, Missouri, Charles Paxton (Lori) of Hannibal, Missouri, Naomi Egbert (Troy) of Hannibal, Missouri, Diana Lasby (Martin) of Hannibal, Missouri, Latonda Rickey of Hannibal, Missouri; 2 brothers, Roy Eugene Paxton of Sedalia, Missouri and Larry Paxton of Sedalia, Missouri; 1 sister, Helen Brand of Pilot Grove, Missouri; 25 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; 1 son, Kevin Paxton; and grandson, John Paxton, Jr. John served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was a Christian, by faith, and deacon of the Frankford Church. John adored nature, loving to hunt squirrel, rabbit and deer, as well as fish the Mississippi River. He was an avid camper, both tent and in his pop up camper, often at the Wyaconda and Shelbina lakes. John was blessed with a green thumb and loved gardening tomatoes, but could honestly grow just about anything. He was great with his hands and often made home improvements. John was very interested in World War II history, and enjoyed watching old Westerns, the Lawrence Welk Show or St. Louis Cardinals baseball, in his downtime. John was very sentimental and loved his family more than anything. His sweet presence will forever be missed by those he held dear. Pallbearers will be Aaron Paxton, Chris Paxton, Stephen Paxton, Carly Lambert, Johnna Ranabarger and John Rickey. Honorary Pallbearers will be Stormy Rickey, Thomas Paxton, Julienne Graupman, Brandie Egbert, Josh Egbert, Jake Paxton and Christy Nonneman. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the James E. Cary Cancer Center.