John "Jack” William Paxton, age 93, passed away on Saturday October 6, 2018 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was born September 25, 1925 in Port Arthur, Texas to Chester A. Paxton and Loretta Horan Paxton.
Jack attended Austin High School in Austin, Texas. After graduation he attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He loved his life in Austin and the Texas Hill Country before and after the War.
Jack served in the Navy during WWII. He was a Machinists First Mate working on aircraft while stationed at Pearl Harbor. Jack’s years in the Navy were among the happiest of his work life.
Jack retired from Marathon Oil Company after a long career in the oilfield. He began his career in the Permian Basin. He also worked as a petroleum engineer in Bay City, Lafayette and finally Shreveport where he retired.
Jack enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. When not spending time in his boat reeling in the fish, he enjoyed wood working in his shop. He always had a garden producing beautiful, fresh produce.
He was devoted to his church family at John Calvin Presbyterian in Shreveport. He served for many years as an Elder.
Left to cherish his memory are son, John Paxton and wife Laura; daughter, Lauri Paxton Walton and husband Dale; grandchildren, William Paxton, Caroline Paxton, Amanda Walton, Kelli Walton Woodson and husband John Ward Woodson, Andrew Garrett, James Garrett, and Michael Garrett and wife Grace; almost five great grandchildren; second wife, Bernice Prather Paxton; step-daughter, Barbara Bowman; and devoted son-in-law, Geoffrey Garrett.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Billie Paxton; daughter, Patti Paxton Garrett; and his parents.
A visitation for Jack will be held Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Rd, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A funeral service will occur after the visitation on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 2:00 PM. An interment will occur at Forest Park East, 3700 St. Vincent Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana 71103 after the services at Centuries.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 3030 Colquitt Rd., Shreveport, LA 71118 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CenturiesMemorialFH.com for the Paxton family.
