Lester Paxton

Lester Cline Paxton, 84, passed away September 15, 2004 at the home of his son. Born January 4, 1920 in Taylorsville, Utah. Graduated from Granite High School. Received a Bachelor?s and Masters Degree from the University of Utah where he was a cheerleader and wrestler. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Married Helen Richards, November 4, 1942 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He served his country in WWII as Liaison Pilot in the Pacific. He continued to serve in the Army Reserve for 33 years during which time he served as 172nd support group commander, Aviation Company Commander, General Staff aviation officer and Operation and Training Officer on the General?s Staff G3. In 1961 he attended flight school again to become qualified as a helicopter pilot. He was an educator, coach, high school counselor and assistant principal. He taught at Madison Junior High, Central Jr. High, Olympus High and Granger High. He was a man of excellence always demanding the best from his students and athletes. His teams were always winners. His teams won numerous region and state championships. At Olympus High School he was the Civil Air Patrol Instructor. His Civil Air Patrol drill team won national honors for many years. He was a devoted member of the LDS Church where he served in many positions including Scoutmaster, Bishopric, Young Men?s President, Stake and Ward Sunday School President and Branch President. He and his wife Helen served a mission in the Los Angeles Temple Visitors Center for a number of years. He was an Eagle Scout. He was a member of the Taylorsville Ward Basketball Team that won the All Church Tournament in 1943. He loved music of all kinds. He sang in many groups; including a trio that performed regularly on the radio. He loved attending U of U Sporting events with his family. He is survived by his wife, Helen; sons, Steven L. Marsha; Dan R. Diana; daughter, Jill Marshall Hayes; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by brothers, Wendell P., Calvin N., Elden, Eugene, Shiryl and Ralph; sister, Afton and his parents Eugene and Hazel Paxton. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 20, 2004 at 11:30 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 3707 South 800 West, Bountiful, Utah, where friends may call from 10:00 – 11:15 a.m. prior to services. Interment-Lakeview Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com.