[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 85 (Thursday, June 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING WILLIAM EDWARD SAXTON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2012

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary 
life of William Edward Saxton and to mourn him upon his passing at the 
age of 86.
  Born in Hazel Park, Michigan on March 14, 1926 to Dean and Margaret 
Saxton, Bill graduated from Plymouth High School, where he met his 
future wife Valerie, in 1944. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy 
during World War II and went on to study business management and 
engineering at the University of Michigan, graduating in the late 
1940's. Bill and Valerie married in the summer of 1947. Taking the 
reins from his father, Bill became the owner and operator of Saxton's 
Garden Center, an 83-year-old family business in Plymouth, Michigan. A 
historical cornerstone of Plymouth's pedestrian friendly downtown 
located at Ann Arbor Trail and Penniman, the former Saxton's Feed 
Company once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
  Under Bill's knowledgeable and forthright leadership, Saxton's Feed 
Company transitioned from farm-supply and livestock feed to Saxton's 
Garden Center as farms gave way to subdivisions. Bill became active in 
the Plymouth Community and the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce. Saxton's 
is a perennial sponsor of the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park 
and many other downtown events. Kellogg Park borders Saxton's just to 
the west and has become a focal point of the community thanks to the 
generosity of patrons like Bill Saxton.
  Sadly, on June 4, 2012, Bill succumbed to his second battle with 
cancer and passed from this earthly world to his eternal reward. He is 
survived by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Valerie and his 
precious children Alan, Craig and Christopher. Reuniting in eternity 
with his adored daughter Karin, Bill will long be remembered by 
grandchildren NicheIle, Lauren, Christopher and Sarah. He leaves a 
legacy in his cherished great grandchild Connor and will be sorely 
missed by his treasured siblings Dean and Margaret.
  Mr. Speaker, William Saxton will be long remembered as a dedicated 
husband, father, grandfather, veteran, legendary businessman, 
philanthropist, community leader and above all as a friend. Bill was a 
man who deeply treasured his family, friends, community and his 
country. Today, as we bid Bill Saxton farewell, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in mourning his passing and honoring his unwavering patriotism 
and legendary service to our community and our country.

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