Charles E. “Charlie” Paxton, 83, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2018, at Brewster Place.

Charlie was born October 13, 1934, in Sedalia, MO, to Herbert and Edna (Stephens) Merriott. When Charlie was 4 years old, his father passed away and his mother married Ray Paxton. Ray adopted Charlie and his older brother and they moved to Topeka. Charlie graduated from Seaman High School in 1953. He married Carol Lee Evans on April 22, 1956 in Osage City, KS. Together they had three children. Charlie was drafted into the US Navy and served two years before being honorable discharged. He had various jobs including working at Santa Fe, owning two Dairy Queens, Topeka Fire Department, but spent the majority of his career in grocery sales. After retiring from the grocery sales business, he went to work for the State of Kansas. Charlie and Carol are long-time members of Second Presbyterian Church. Together they loved KU sports, traveling, the beach, boating, dancing, and big band music. Charlie also enjoyed hunting with his son. Above everything, Charlie loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years; three children, Brenda (Mark) Gomez of Topeka, Lori Puterbaugh of San Diego, CA, and Jeff (Jodi) Paxton of Overland Park, KS; four grandchildren, Cole, Hunter, Jenna, and Jesse; and two great-granddaughters.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Richard Paxton.

A memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 4, 2018, at Second Presbyterian Church, 210 NW Menninger Road, Topeka, KS 66617. The family will greet friends following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or American Parkinson’s Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305.

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