James Edward Paxton

Funeral services for James Edward Paxton of Butler, Missouri were 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Visitation was held 5 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 16 at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri. Contributions to Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

James Edward Paxton, age 90 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, September 12, 2025 at his residence. He was born January 26, 1935 to Edward William and Harriett Louise Maddy Paxton in Butler, Missouri.

James, one of two children, was raised in Elkhart Township of rural Adrian, Missouri. He began school at Pleasant Valley, a one-room school and graduated from Adrian High school in 1953. While in school James was involved with FFA, 4-H and the Boy Scouts. After graduation, he went to work at Westinghouse in Kansas City, Missouri. During layoffs, James worked at Solo Cup Company in Grandview, Missouri. He met Eva Merle Archer and they were united in marriage on June 1, 1956 at the Raymore Presbyterian Church. In 1958 James began a career with Western Electric, a division of AT&T, and retired in 1988. During that time he continued working on the family farm. He was a member of the telephone pioneers.

James found enjoyment in flying, so much so that he obtained a pilots license. His passion for farming helped him to develop a custom combining operation which allowed him to drive over the road and fed his love for traveling. James, a cornerstone of the family, imparted knowledge, values and a strong work ethic in those he loved. He will be profoundly missed, but his influence will resonate for generations to come

James is survived by one son, Tom Paxton and wife Dorothy of Butler, Missouri; four grandchildren, Isaac Flint and wife Stephanie of Houghton, Michigan, Eleni Province and husband Jerad of Neosho, Missouri, James R. Paxton and Scott Paxton and fiancé Ariah all of Butler, Missouri; two great-grandchildren; sister, Louanne Elefson of Butler, Missouri; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by wife, Merle Paxton; and parents, Edward and Harriett Paxton.