Joseph Ira Claxton, 95, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 5:45 pm May 29, 2022 at Nature Trail Health Care in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Mr. Claxton proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II serving on the USS Charles Ausburne (DD-570) in the Pacific Area. He was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation as well as 11 Battle Stars. He retired form Illinois Power (Ameren) after 35 years as the Inventory control specialist or (store keeper). He was a member of Logan Street Baptist Church for 69 years. He Proudly served as a Master Mason for over 60 years which is an achievement not many attain in the Mount Vernon Lodge #31 A.F. and A.M., and Ainad Shriners, Knights Templer of So. IL and Scotties Right for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of So. IL. Joe participated in the Jefferson County Shrine Club, Krazy Klowns and VFW. Joe was a long time member of the Southern Illinois Earth Science Club. He served in many roles: President, Show Chairman and Liaison officer to the Midwest Federation of Geological Mineralogical Societies. He was an avid rock-hound and lapidary. He was generous with his time and talents. Joe and Nellie missed very few Gem Mineral shows in the mid-west. He also enjoyed Woodworking, Vintage Automobiles, spending time with family and friends as well as a good joke.
A Greeting of Family and Friends will be held Monday, June 27, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Logan Street Baptist Church 800 N. 42nd Street Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864. A Memorial Service will begin at 5:00 pm. A Burial of Ashes will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 10:00 am at Cobden Cemetery in Cobden, IL. In lieu of flowers, Please make a memorial contribution to Logan Street Baptist Church Building Fund. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
Joseph is survived by his sons, Scott Claxton of Shiloh, Illinois, Ralph Rodibaugh and wife, Joy of Roswell, New Mexico; nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Joseph was preceded in death by his brothers, Al and Bob Claxton as well as his son, Joseph Todd Claxton.
He was born July 12, 1926 in Cobden, Illinois to the late Ira and Vay (Fulcher) Claxton. Joseph married Nellie (Todd) Claxton on June 20, 1953 in Carbondale, Illinois. T hey were blessed with sixty-four years of marriage before she preceded him in death on October 17, 2017.
