Melvin W Claxton (Hartville)'s Obituary
Melvin Warren Claxton, son of Homer Oscar and Ada Mae Long Claxton, was born March 12, 1922 in St. George, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, December 31, 2012, in his home, near Hartville, at the age of ninety years, nine months, and nineteen days.
On June 24, 1944, Melvin was united in marriage to Venita Faye Lawler and to this union two sons were born.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jerry Warren Claxton; and a half-brother Richard Rozolsky; and the man who raised Melvin as his own, Everett Gourley.
He is survived by his wife, Venita Claxton of the home; a son, Brent Claxton of Mountain Grove, Missouri; grandchildren, Michael Claxton of Mountain Grove, Missouri, Andréa VanEaton and husband Derek of Hartville, Missouri, and Amanda Burzynski and husband Rob of Rogersville, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Charlene Claxton, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; great-grandson, Dylan Warren Claxton; as well as a host of other relatives and many dear friends.
Melvin was born in St. George and was a graduate of Hartville High School in the Class of 1940. Following his graduation, Melvin moved to Idaho and worked in a Sheep Camp. He was inducted into the United States Army in 1942 and proudly served his country. Melvin received his honorable discharge in 1943 and returned to Hartville in the fall of the same year.
Melvin and Venita were married in 1944 and he farmed until 1953. He owned and operated the Jerktail Store for a brief period of time before going to work for Auto Transport out of Kansas City, Missouri. He drove a truck for several years before retiring in 1982.
Melvin had accepted Christ as his Lord and was a member of the New Home Freewill Baptist Church.
In his spare time, Melvin enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinal Baseball games and playing solitaire. He also loved visiting with his family at the Claxton Family Reunion.
Melvin was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories he has created for his family and many dear friends.
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