William Glenn Paxton

William Glenn Paxton was born on July 23,1929 in Winnetka, Illinois. He passed peacefully into God’s hands at his summer home in Shelby, Michigan on Sunday, September 15, 2024. He attended the Winnetka public schools, and after graduating from New Trier High School, he went to Princeton University, Class of 1951. He studied chemical engineering and graduated with honors. Bill remained active with his class, serving a term as president, planning mini-reunions throughout the country, and in Spain and England. It was at Princeton that he met his future wife, Shirley, through their mutual singing groups. They continued to sing together in church choirs and choruses and even in duets throughout their marriage. Bill's career was with American Cyanamid Company of Wayne, New Jersey. He retired as President of the International Chemicals Division. While living in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Bill was active in the West Side Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir, serving as a deacon and as Chairman of the Board of Elders. He enthusiastically supported Shirley attending Union Seminary to be ordained. He also pursued his favorite hobby, golf. Upon retirement the family moved to East Lansing, Michigan to be closer to their summer home at beloved Little Point Sable on Lake Michigan where Bill had spent his summers growing up. In East Lansing they became ardent Spartan fans and made dear friends. Bill volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, served on the Board of the Lansing Symphony, sang in the church choir and with the Choral Union, and served a term as President of the Choral Society. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Lightner Paxton, and four daughters: Marty (Mike) Franchot, Anne (Gana) Paxton, Jane Hoffman, and Suzie (Patrick) Paxton, seven grandchildren and one great grandson, and by his brother, Glenn (Leslie), and a number of nieces and nephews. Bill will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, his generosity and integrity, his loyalty to his friends, his devotion to his family, and his love of his wife of seventy years whom he called "the light of my life."

The memorial service has been changed from Eastminster Presbyterian Church to THE PEOPLES CHURCH, 200 W. Grand River, East Lansing on Sunday, October 27 at 4:15, followed by a reception. There will be a service in Shelby for friends and family in July.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made to The Choral Union of Michigan State, The Greater Lansing Symphony or Eastminster Presbyterian Church.