Ronald L. Thaxton

Ronald Lee Thaxton passed away Tuesday morning at his home in Otsego. Ronald, only child of Ernest (Ike) Keller Thaxton and Harriet Janette Thaxton (nee Leverich) was born on April 10, 1928 in Otsego on Helen Avenue and lived his entire life in Otsego. He married his wife and life-long sweetheart Colleen on September 11, 1948. Colleen passed away in 2014 after 66 years of marriage.

Throughout his life Ronald had many friends and relatives in the Otsego area. He was a member of the US Navy Reserves. He was employed as a Draftsman and Engineer by the Otsego Falls and Menasha Paper Companies, enjoying a long retirement beginning in 1992. He was a member of the Otsego Congregational Church and an active member for many years with the Otsego Elks Club.

Ronald was a dedicated and loving father to his children including son Anthony (Tony) (Becky) of Holland Michigan, daughter Sally Betzner of Plainwell, son Rodney (Kathy) of Otsego, and daughter Christine (Gary) Zeeryp also of Holland. He was very involved with the Boy Scouts and his children’s school activities.

A highlight of his life was time spent with his grandchildren including Brian Betzner (47) of Otsego, Jennifer Thaxton Bird (40) of Bethesda, MD, Ikeca Hull (34) of Sheridan, IN, Joshua Thaxton (36) of Allegan, and Andrea Thaxton Vetter (33) of Portage. Great grandchildren include Oliver and Ava Bird, Jacari Campbell, and Mary and Josiah Hull.

There are many, many fond memories of time spent at holiday gatherings, the swimming pool at home, and winter breaks on the beach near their winter home of 22 years in Englewood, Florida. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Friends and acquaintances are welcome to a visitation and memorial service that will be held on Tuesday, November 4th at 2:00 and 3:00 PM at the Otsego Congregational Church, 120 W. Morrell St, Otsego, MI 49078.

Contributions in memory of Ron may be directed to the First Congregational Church of Otsego.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.