Clayborn Parker Paxton Obituary (1927 - 2025)

Clayborn Parker Paxton passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on May 19, 2025, at the Manor House in Sigourney. Born to Roy and Ethel Wiseman Paxton on September 12, 1927, in Linby, Iowa. Growing up in the Ollie area, Clayborn attended local schools and developed a strong sense of community that would remain with him throughout his life. On January 5, 1949, he married the love of his life, Myrtle M. Sloan, in Fairfield, Iowa. Together, they built a family and shared a life filled with love and laughter until her passing on August 23, 2017. Clayborn's patriotism led him to serve his country in the United States Army from 1947 to 1949. After his military service, he returned to Iowa and started working at John Deere in East Moline, working in assembly for four and a half years. Clayborn started working as a supervisor in the shipping and receiving department at Fairfield Aluminum for 34 years. His work ethic and leadership were admired by all who worked alongside him. A man of service, Clayborn was an active member of the Eagles and the American Legion, where he found camaraderie and a shared commitment to community service. His involvement in these organizations was just one of the many ways he gave back to the community he cherished. Clayborn's legacy is carried on by his loving family, who will forever remember his gentle spirit and wise counsel. He leaves behind a son, Kenneth Paxton (Linda) of Ollie; a daughter, Sandra Durflinger (Phil) of Agency; five grandsons; six great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. His family was his pride and joy, and he took great delight in watching it grow and flourish. Preceding him in death were his parents; his beloved wife, Myrtle; brothers, Harley, Evertte, Eddie, and Orville Paxton; and sisters, Leona Snoddy and Mary Jane Knox. Clayborn's passing marks the end of a generation, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. A funeral service to celebrate Clayborn's life will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation, which will take place one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Following the service, Clayborn will be laid to rest at Prairie Cemetery in Packwood, where he will be interred beside his beloved Myrtle. Memorials in Clayborn's honor to Essence of Life Hospice may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at 31120 230th Avenue, Ollie, IA 52576