Duke Paxton, 62

Duke Paxton, 62, of rural Cole Camp, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2014, at his home with his wife Karen at his side caring for him.  He was born on December 20, 1951, at St. Louis, Missouri, a son of Harry Wesley and Mary Rose (Miller) Paxton.  He was well grounded in Cole Camp, for it was his home.

In 1968, Duke was united in marriage to Nancy Schutte, this union was blessed with the gift of a daughter, Nancy Lyn.  His precious daughter completed his life circle.  As a pride filled American, he served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

Duke met the love of his life Karen Nygaard and they married on November 27, 1981, in Cole Camp.  They filled their life together with wonder and adventure.  Many fabulous trips were taken with the wind at their back, worries left behind, and Harley's forging ahead.  Duke, Karen and friends, Mike and Lois Davis found their passion in the "Santa's Helpers" toy run in 2003.  Friends from many miles celebrated the 10th anniversary of the toy run this past November, which Duke was able to participate in, making children smile once more.

For more than 20 years, he worked for Wolf Paving in Sedalia.  He raised a pedigree lineage of Red Bone Coon Hounds, many dog holidays were spent in the outdoors.  He was an avid hunter and outdoors man and was an active member of the Oak Hill Coon Club for many years.  Duke's heart was as full as his life, always eager to help others when he could.

He is survived by:  his wife, Karen of the home;
one daughter, Lynn Michael and her husband Quincy of Independence;
four brothers, Dennis Paxton and his wife Roxy and Norman Paxton, all of Cole Camp, Don Hockaday and William Hockaday, both of Arvada, Colorado;
his favorite brother from another mother, John E.;
three grandsons, Tyler, Nick and Jordan Michael;
two step-grandchildren, Tyler and Whitney Michael;
one great-grandson, Rocky Tripp Thompson;
twelve nephews; two nieces; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Mary Rose Paxton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at Missouri State Veteran's Cemetery Chapel, Higginsville.  Burial will be in the Missouri State Veteran's Cemetery, Higginsville.

All are invited to Duke's last ride from his home in Cole Camp to the Veteran's Cemetery in Higginsville.  On Thursday morning, we will meet at the Cole Camp Fire Department at 10:15 a.m. and then at Yeager's Cycle in Sedalia at 11:00 a.m.

The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at the Fox Funeral Home in Cole Camp.

The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Salvation Army Santa Toy Run 2014 in memory of co-founder Duke in care of the Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp.