Lewis “Lew” Stratton Paxton of Victoria, TX, formerly of Houston and Lake Charles, Louisiana, danced his way to Heaven on February 17, 2023. Lew was 83 years young at the time of his passing. He was born on October 14, 1939, in Levelland, Texas, one of two children of Lewis Bernard Paxton and Rosalie Graham Thigpen.
Lew loved spending time with his family, the outdoors, rodeoing, fishing, and officiating football. His other joys included reading the daily newspaper and watching Gunsmoke and the Andy Griffith Show. Lew is preceded in death by his parents and other loving family members, most importantly his stepmother, Helen Treadway Paxton; grandson, Caleb Kirk Paxton; and stepson, Michael A. Reyna, Jr.
Lew is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Connie Paxton, daughter, Karrie Burks (Michael Paul); stepdaughter, Shelly Reyna (Clay); son, Michael Stratton Paxton (Patricia); brother, Douglas Paxton (Phyllis); and family members, Guinn Paxton (Tammy), Bruce Treadway (DelRey), Eddie Treadway (Diane), Jimmy Banks (Sheila), Harold Burnham (Joyce), Eddie Paxton (Donna), and 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Lew started his career with Nichols Construction in 1965 as a Superintendent. It was a few years later when running a project at Ethyl Corporation in Baton Rouge that he met Roland Toups, now retired Chairman Emeritus. Lew managed construction projects and turnarounds in the Baton Rouge area before transferring to the company’s Lake Charles office. He managed operations there including the 1st non-union job to be built in Lake Charles at a time when union work was prevalent. In the 1990’s, Lew moved to Houston as part of the company’s expansion in Texas. He represented Turner Industries in business development. His career with the Turner family of companies spanned over 40 years.
The family will host a Celebration of Life at Spring Creek Event Center on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 11AM.
Words of comfort, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.