Charles Paxton

Charles “Chuck” Paxton passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2015, at Hospice Alliance in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. He was 88 years old. A life-long resident of Zion, he was born on April 1, 1927, in Zion, IL, to Earl and Edna Paxton. He attended Zion-Benton Township High School. He served in the Big Red One in Germany during the Korean Conflict. In 1956 he married Leola Offner. He served as the director of the Zion Park District for 24 years. During that time he started the Senior Citizen program and led senior citizen trips nationally and internationally. After he retired as director, he established Pax III Tours and continued organizing senior trips for another 20 years. He received the Golden Deeds Award in 1966 for his civic minded work with the Senior Citizen group. He was president of Illinois Parks and Recreation Association. He refereed football and umpired baseball. He served as Mayor of Zion from 1996 – 1999. He was a member of the Christian Catholic Church and played the Christus in the Zion Passion Play for twelve years. Chuck had a deep love for his hometown, his church, and his family. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Donald, Sam and sister Jane. He is survived by his wife, Lee; his four children, Kurt, and Brent (Kathy) both of Zion; Lori (Brian) Hart of Wheaton; Todd (Amy) of Lindenhurst; twelve grandchildren, Kyle (Amy), Cory (Sarah), Brie (Jon) Sesso, Emily, Ryan, Lindy, Sam, Chloe, Zach, Kaylee, Zoe, Adam; great grandchildren, Zeke, Kinsley and Isaiah. Visitation will be Sunday, December 20, 2015 from 1:30 until 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Christian Catholic Church (now Christ Community Church), 2500 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion, IL. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m., with Pastor Ken Langley officiating. In lieu of flowers, Chuck suggested acts of kindness be done in his memory: “I wonder if someone wishes to do something in my memory, they should show one person that they really love them. Take them to dinner. Do something to ease their financial or personal pain, offer themselves to fill a real need.” However, if you wish to make a donation: Camp Zion or Devils Lake are favorite designations.