Richard Paxson

Richard “Dick” Paxson, 85, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on the morning of July 8, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Those in attendance are encouraged to come dressed casually. Burial will follow at the Graceland Cemetery in Laurel, Iowa at 2:30 P.M. Memorials in Dick’s name may be directed to the family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Richard Larry Paxson was born December 11, 1937 to parents Max and Hazel (Reiss) Paxson in Marshalltown, Iowa. Dick was the middle of four children and the only boy to the family. He attended school in Marshalltown and Montour.

Dick served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1955 during the Korean War Conflict. After his time in the Armed Forces, Dick began to attend Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa. It was during his time here that he met Mary Jo McConnell and on May 5, 1972, they were united in marriage in Rock Island, Illinois. After they were married together, they lived in Ottumwa and then Marshalltown. In early years he owned a sod company, worked for the railroad and as a truck driver. Together he and Mary Jo had Paxson Lawn Ornaments. In his free time, Dick enjoyed going fishing, trips to the casino, telling old truck stories, reading and watching old westerns, mowing, and spending time with his pugs. He loved spending the winters in Florida with Mary Jo and spending time with his grandkids.

Dick is survived by his children, Dianne Griggs of Marshalltown, IA, Tammy (Jeff) Willfong of Aurelia, IA, Randy (Tricia) Croft of Fort Dodge, IA, Alan (Donna) Croft of Ellensburg, WA, Deborah Paxson of Corpus Christi, TX, and Rebecca (Pat) Kouang of Marshalltown, IA; his grandchildren, Skyler, Lexi, Abbie, Joseph, Daniel, Andrew, Ian, Ryan, Amanda, Emily, Lindsay, Stormy, Kaylynn, Penelope, and Madeline; his great-grandchildren, Kaiicen, Milo, Kinsley, Miles, Addison, Cyrus, Ashley, Madison, Morgan, Brendon, Austin, and Paige; his siblings, Bonnie Mitchell and Peggy Weuve; and a host of family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo; his children, Rick Paxson and Rita Blair; his parents Max and Hazel Paxson; his sister Mary Jo Carkhuff; his grandchild Thomas Kochuyt; and nephews Chris and Lennie Carkhuff.