Jack Claxton

ATHENS -ack R. Claxton of Athens, Ohio His sun rose on Sept 11, 1921 and set on May 19, 2010. He passed away peacefully at his daughterchr(39)s home in New Albany surrounded by his family. Jack went into the US Navy in 1942. His service included being aboard the USS Boge and landing on Normandy Beach on D-Day in France during World War II. Following the war, he attended Emory University where he received his training as an embalmer and funeral director. Jack owned and operated several hotels in Kansas City, California and the Berry Claxton hotel in Athens, Ohio. Jack and his partners negotiated a purchase of the Fountainbleu Hotel in Miami Beach, FL where he and his family spent a great deal of time. Jack founded ATHENS -emory Gardens in 1960 and went on to create 9 other Memory Gardens throughout Ohio which he and his wife Sheila owned and operated for over 40 years. Jack was an ownership partner in the security bank and travel agency in Athens. Jackchr(39)s true love was real estate. Jack was a 50 year 32nd degree member of the Masons. He also is a life member of the ATHENS -lks lodge, American Legion, Amvets, ATHENS -hriners and the ATHENS -ountry Club. Jack is survived by his wife of 48 years Sheila; daughters Reneechr(39) Claxton of New Albany, Jacquelyn (Joe) Self of Syksville, Maryland; sons Jay Claxton of Dublin and Michael(Mary)Claxton of Grover Beach, California; Grandchildren, Madison Defrank and Olivia DeFrank of New Albany, Julie(Rick)Baker of New Creek, West Virginia, Daryl Arnold of Indiana, Heather(Nick)Bogdan of Canal Winchester, Melissa Arnold of Reston, Virginia, Jesse Claxton of Grover Beach, CA, Nicole Claxton of Grove Beach, CA; 10 great grand children, 1 great-great grandchild; sister Carlee(Bob)Johnson of Neosho, Missouri, along with several nieces and nephews. Jack is preceeded in death by his parents Chrissy and Everet Claxton of Hartville, Missouri, brother, E.C.(Fern) Claxton of Portland, Oregon Funeral services will be Sunday, May 23, at 5:30 p.m. at Richland United Methodist Church. Friends may call at the Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. where Elks services will be at 7 pm. Private family service and Interment will be Monday in ATHENS -emory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to HomeReach Hospice, Kobacker House, 3595 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214. You may send the family a message of sympathy at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com