Joseph Ira Claxton
Joseph Ira Claxton, 95, of Mt. Vernon, died at 5:45 p.m. May 29, 2022, at Nature Trail Health Care in Mt. Vernon.
He was born on July 12, 1926, in Cobden, the son of Ira and Vay Fulcher Claxton.
He married Nellie Todd Claxton on June 20, 1953, in Carbondale. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on Oct. 17, 2017.
Mr. Claxton is survived by his sons, Scott Claxton of Shiloh and Ralph Rodibaugh and wife, Joy of Roswell, N.M.; nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brothers, Al and Bob Claxton; as well as his son, Joseph Todd Claxton.
Mr. Claxton served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving on the USS Charles Ausburne (DD-570) in the Pacific Area. He was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation as well as 11 Battle Stars.
He retired from Illinois Power (Ameren) after 35 years as the inventory control specialist or (store keeper).
He was a member of Logan Street Baptist Church for 69 years.
He served as a Master Mason for over 60 years, which is an achievement not many attain in the Mount Vernon Lodge No. 31 AF & AM and Ainad Shriners, Knights Templar of Southern Illinois and Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of Southern Illinois.
Mr. Claxton participated in the Jefferson County Shrine Club, Krazy Klowns and VFW.
He was a long time member of the Southern Illinois Earth Science Club. He served in many roles: president, show chairman and liaison officer to the Midwest Federation of Geological Mineralogical Societies. He was an avid rock hound and lapidary. He was generous with his time and talents. Joe and Nellie missed very few gem and mineral shows in the Midwest.
He also enjoyed woodworking, vintage automobiles, spending time with family and friends as well as a good joke.
A greeting of family and friends will be Monday, June 27, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Logan Street Baptist Church at 800 N. 42nd St. in Mt. Vernon. A memorial service will begin at 5 p.m.
A burial of ashes will be Tuesday, June 28, at 10 a.m. at the Cobden Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to the Logan Street Baptist Church building fund.
Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon is in charge of arrangements. Further information can be found online at hugheyfh.com.