Gary

Gerald J. “Gary” Saxton, 77 of North Lewisburg Ohio, passed away, with his family by his side, on December 20th, 2023, at the Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.

He was born on March 17th, 1946, in Athens, Ohio to the late George Saxton and Wanda J. (Rife) Saxton. Gary graduated from Rutland High School in 1964. He then joined the navy and served for 4 years as a radioman before his honorable discharge in 1968. He retired from Goodyear after 32 years of service as a powerhouse operator.

Gary was an avid Cleveland Browns fan and loved being in his vegetable gardens. He loved to bowl, and was part of a bowling league in Bellefontaine, Ohio. A few other activities that brought him joy were panning for gold, going to auctions, adding to his many collections, and visiting his family in the hills of southern Ohio, where he grew up on the family farm.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sheila; son, Joseph Saxton; daughter, Michelle Saxton; granddaughters, Anna (Jerome) Cunningham; Madison Saxton; great grandchildren Jeremiah and Lelani Cunningham: siblings, Connie (Myron) Beck, Tim (Pam) Saxton, Dave (Marianne) Saxton, and Debbie (Skip) Conner; as well as many other family members and friends that were special to him.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to all the nurses, doctors and medical staff who cared for Gary at the James and the Hospice of Central Ohio, both in Columbus Ohio.

Memorial contributions in Gary’s name may be made to the Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, OH, 43055.