William Joseph Saxton

William Joseph Saxton Joe Saxton’s journey of life on earth ended at his home in Brighton, IL surrounded by his family on March 6, 2013. He was 58 years old. Joe was born April 13, 1954 to Glenn and Ruth Saxton in Alton, IL. He graduated from east Alton-wood River High school in 1972. On August 26, 1983 he married Cathy Roberts who preceded him in death on May 2, 1995. He is survived by a wife Janet Saxton who he married on July 25, 1997. He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Brighton, IL. In the past he served on the church board, was a youth group leader, Sunday school teacher, and sang in the church choir. In addition he taught Automotive Computer Diagnostic classes at Lewis and Clark community college. Joe served on the Lewis and Clark automotive Advisory Board and State of Illinois Automotive Advisory Board for many years. In recent years he owned and operated along with his son Frank Roberts, C.A.T.S (Comprehensive Automotive Technical Services) in Wood River and East Alton. He then became a manager of the Alton Sears automotive department. From there he was assistant manager of the Auto Tire stores in both Alton and Edwardsville. Joe was an avid photographer and always had a camera in his hand. He started Saxton Creations Photography in 2010 along with his wife Janet where he enjoyed photographing families, seniors, and weddings. Joe also enjoyed writing and had two books published, “Genetic Memories” and ‘The Treaty”. Joe’s greatest joy came from spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by a son Chris Saxton and wife April of Broken Arrow, OK, a son; Tim Saxton of Wilsonville, a daughter; Tracy Kahl and her husband Robbie of Mt. Olive, son Frank Roberts and wife Kendra of Alton, son Wes Roberts and wife Christina of East Alton, daughter Karen Chamberlain and husband Andrew of Collinsville, son Jason Roberts and wife Marie of Chula Vista, CA, and daughter of Melanie King of St. Louis. He was preceded in by a son Scott King. In addition he is survived by his loving grandchildren: Daniel Saxton, Donald and James Hardgraves, Austin, Robert and Ella kahl, Jason and Hunter Roberts, Lindsay Chamberlain, Brayden and Gavin Andrus, baby Chamberlain, Kali and Kai Bowden, and Keilani Roberts. Joe leaves behind a sister in law Jeanette Saxton, a brother in law Bob Mitchell and a sister Brenda and husband Paul White, father and mother in law Helen and David Schafer, sister in law Ann Keck, brother in law Wayne and wife Lori Schafer, sister in law Sue Swisher and husband Rork. He was preceded in death by his sister Velda Mitchell and brother Tom Saxton. Joe will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews who he enjoyed spending time with as well. In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials be made to BJC Hospice, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, or St. John’s United Church of Christ. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 10th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A celebration of life service by Pastor Levering Reynolds III will be held Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Brighton, IL. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery. PDF Printable Version

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William Joseph Saxton

April 13, 1954 - March 7, 2013