Jackie Lee Paxton

Dr. Jackie Paxton, 73, of Van Buren, passed away Thursday July 11, 2024 in Fort Smith. He was born November 28, 1950 in Fort Smith, in the small area known as Coke Hill, to the late LeRoy and Dora (Ritter) Paxton.

Jackie was a graduate of the Van Buren Class of 1968. He attended Westark and the University of Central Arkansas where he obtained degrees in social studies and education. He went on to get a doctorate of special education degree from University of Arkansas. He was a lifelong educator with a passion for Special Education working with Fort Smith Public Schools, Guy Fenter Educational Co-op, Westark, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, and Arkansas Tech University.

Jackie was active in his community. He was a member of the Quorum Court, Justice of the Peace, Arkansas Adult Education Center, and the Van Buren school board.

He loved the outdoors. He enjoyed riding his ol’ Kawasaki mule “Ruth”, being on the tractor and wrangling his herd of donkeys. He loved to write. He was an author of educational books, short stories, and western novels with Dusty Saddle Publishing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandma, Virginia Kimble.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; two daughters, Alana Hicks of Searcy, and Amanda Stroud and husband Easton of Van Buren; a son-in-law, Ben Hicks of Searcy; three sisters, Billie Robbins and husband Ron of Van Buren, Carol Paxton of Van Buren, and Patricia Marquis and husband Corey of Van Buren; two grandchildren, London Hicks and Baby Stroud; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews; and his dogs, Bogart and Fuzzy.

Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2024 at Gill Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be Ray Parks, Clovis Miller, Barry King, David Bell, Timothy Leggett, Johnny Key, Ron Robbins, Jesse Paxton, and Jacob Marquis.

The family will visit with friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation at www.nlmsf.org