August Jaxel

1936 - 2025

August R. Jaxel, age 89, of Hereford, Arizona, was called home to be with the Lord on September 24, 2025, after suffering a stroke.
Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, August lived a long and full life marked by faith, love, and quiet strength. He made his home in Hereford for many years, where he became a beloved member of the community.
A proud graduate of the University of Arizona, August earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. During his summers, he interned at Fort Huachuca, where he began what would become a lifelong commitment to military communications. After graduation, he started his career as a civil servant with the United States Army-a role in which he dedicated decades of service. His work took him around the world as he helped establish advanced communications systems that supported national defense and military missions. Always striving for excellence, he later earned a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the New York Institute of Technology.
August's adventurous spirit and generous heart shone through in many of his passions. A skilled pilot, he owned his own airplane and loved flying friends and family across the country. In his youth, he discovered a love for ham radio-a hobby he returned to joyfully later in life. Music was another constant; he played numerous instruments including the tuba, baritone and piano; sang in a barbershop quartet and church choir, and lent his talents to the Sierra Vista Symphony and Sierra Vista City Choir. He also shared his love of music by teaching neighborhood children in homeschool programs.
Faith was the cornerstone of August's life. He served his church faithfully as a deacon and later as a respected elder, always living with humility, kindness, and grace. His ministry extended beyond the church walls-mentoring youth, encouraging those in need, and keeping his home open as a place of welcome and support. Countless lives have been touched by August's kindness, generosity, and steadfast care.
In his later years, August could often be found on his backhoe, helping neighbors and serving through his business, A.R. Jaxel Excavation. Whether through faith, music, or service, his life reflected an unwavering love for people.
August is survived by his brothers Peter (Pauline) and Robert (Louise) Jaxel; nieces and nephews Brett, Renee, Robert (Mareli), Ashley, and Matthew Jaxel. He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Estelle Jaxel, and his sister, Janet.
A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at Sierra Vista Baptist Church, 215 Taylor Drive, Sierra Vista, Arizona, on Saturday, October 18, at 1:00 p.m.