Person Page - 1856

     Her Social Security Number was 233-44-1043.⁵ Pauline Paxton was buried at Floral Hills Garden of Memories, 6839 Sissonville Drive, Sissonville, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.² She was born on December 17, 1930 at Widen, Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,5 As of August 13, 1950,her married name was Butta.^6,1 She married Faduch "Fats" Butta on August 13, 1950 at Hookersville, Nicholas Co., West Virginia.^6,1,2 Pauline Paxton died on May 22, 2012 at Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia, at age 81.^5,2 She Pauline Butta, 81, of Charleston left to join her husband and parents in Heaven on May 22, 2012. She was the former owner and operator of Butta's Grocery Store. Pauline loved people, and was an excellent saleslady and a friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert W. and Zona M. Paxton; husband, Faduch "Fats" Butta; and her sister, Corrine Neal. Surviving her are sons, James R. Butta and wife, Becky, of Parkersburg and Mark A. Butta and wife, Leanne K., of Youngstown, Ohio; daughter, Maria Southall of Scott Depot; grandchildren, C.J. Butta, Valerie R. Porter, Kevin Southall, Dr. Lindsey G. Butta and Alexandra N. Butta; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Pocatalico. The family wishes to thank the staff at Putnam Care and Rehab for the kindness shown to Pauline. on May 24, 2012.²

     Her Social Security Number was 233-44-1042.⁶ Corrine Paxton was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5600 E. Broad St., Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio.^4,7 Her married name was Neal. Her married name was Racer.³ She married James Lewis Neal Jr.^8,4 Corrine Paxton married Robert L. Racer.³ Corrine Paxton was born on December 17, 1930 at Widen, Clay Co., West Virginia.^6,9,7,3 She died on February 5, 2002 at Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio, at age 71.^6,9,4,7 She Corrine Neal, age 71, of Columbus, died Tuesday February 5, 2002 at O.S.U. East Hospital. Retired from A & P Grocery Stores and Carfagna's Specialty Foods. Preceded in death by parents Robert W. and Zona Churchwell. Survived by husband, James L. Neal Jr; daughters Brenda (Gary) Neal, Dallas, TX. and Vickie (Robert) Leonhardt, Reynoldsburg, OH; grandchildren, Jeffrey C. Neal, Stephanie M. (Marc) Gifford, Kimberly A. Leonhardt, Carli M. Leonhardt; sister, Pauline Butta, Charleston, W. Va; many nieces and nephews; dear friend, Marge Huffman; and loving cat, Toots. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. on February 7, 2002.⁴

     Faduch "Fats" Butta was buried at Floral Hills Garden of Memories, 6839 Sissonville Drive, Sissonville, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.¹ His Social Security Number was 232-34-4083.⁴ He was born on June 9, 1928 at Eskdale, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.^4,2,3 He married Pauline Paxton, daughter of Robert Washington Paxton and Arizona Marie "Zona" Churchwell, on August 13, 1950 at Hookersville, Nicholas Co., West Virginia.^5,2,6 Faduch "Fats" Butta died on October 12, 1998 at South Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia, at age 70.^4,1 He Faduch "Fats" Butta, 70, of Charleston died Oct. 12, 1998, in Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston, after a long illness. He was retired from Imperial Colliery Coal Co. and was owner of Butta's Grocery Store, Frame Street, Charleston. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Charleston, and a past president of UMW Local 2309. Surviving: wife, Pauline; sons, James Robert Butta of Parkersburg, Mark Anthony Butta of Youngstown, Ohio; daughter, Maria Southhall of Sissonville; brother, Albert Butta of Tallahassee, Fla; sister, Rosa Kusterer of Chesapeake; five grandchildren. Burial will be in Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Pocatalico. on October 15, 1998.¹

     James Lewis Neal Jr. was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5600 E. Broad St., Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio.^1,3 His Social Security Number was 232-46-6394.⁵ He married Corrine Paxton, daughter of Robert Washington Paxton and Arizona Marie "Zona" Churchwell.^1,2 James Lewis Neal Jr. was born on December 25, 1932 at Smithers, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^5,3,6,4,7 He died on June 8, 2006 at Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio, at age 73.^1,5,3,6 He James L. Neal Jr., 73, peacefully went to be with the Lord Thursday, June 8, 2006, at St. Ann's Hospital. Jim was a graduate of West Virginia State and a Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict. He worked for United Fuel in West Virginia and retired from the City of Columbus Division of Water after 26 years of service. Jim enjoyed playing golf, playing cards at the Westerville Senior Citizen Group, and bowling. He was preceded in death by his wife, Corrine Neal. Surviving are daughters, Brenda Neal and Vickie (Robert) Leonhardt; four grandchildren, Jeffrey (Kym) Neal, Stephanie (Marc) Gifford, and Carli and Kimberly Leonhardt; great-grandchildren, Andie, Josh and Bridget; brothers, Lawrence (Carmelita) Neal and Gary Neal; sister, Shirley Neal; sister-in-law, Pauline Butta; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5600 E. Broad St., with the Rev. P. K. Fowler officiating. A special thank you to the staff of Mount Carmel/ St. Ann's Palliative Care Hospice Unit, especially to the Rev. P. K. Fowler and Dr. Craig Pratt. on June 11, 2006.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 232-14-4199.¹ Frances Jane Fitzwater was buried at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Cowen, Webster Co., West Virginia.¹ She was born on June 16, 1889 at Enoch, Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,2 As of March 28, 1946,her married name was Paxton.² She married John Riley Paxton, son of Winfield Worthington "Worth" Paxton and Polyrena Malinda "Rena" Burnside, on March 28, 1946 at Valley Fork, Clay Co., West Virginia.² Frances Jane Fitzwater died on April 15, 1970 at New Martinsville, Wetzel Co., West Virginia, at age 80.¹

     Thelma Lee Buckland was buried at Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.³ She was born on September 1, 1915 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^4,3 As of April 14, 1935,her married name was Paxton.⁴ She married Gilmer Triphosia Paxton, son of John Riley Paxton and Sarah Victoria Walker, on April 14, 1935 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^4,1,2 Thelma Lee Buckland died on March 22, 1968 at Carbondale, Fayette Co., West Virginia, at age 52; Her gravestone has an incorrect death date of of Mar 24, 1968.^1,3,2 She Mrs. Thelma Lee Paxton, 52, of Carbondale, died Friday at home. Surviving: husband, Gilmer; son, Richard of Charleston; sister, Mrs. Matsel Dennison of Little Birch; brothers, Alva Buckland of Carbondale, Eakle and Wilbur Buckland of Clay. Burial in Rogers Cemetery at Ivydale. on March 23, 1968.²

     Nancy Ellen "Nannie" Walker was buried at Dundon Cemetery, Clay, Clay Co., West Virginia.⁵ She was born on April 5, 1884 at Camp, Clay Co., West Virginia.³ As of May 20, 1901,her married name was Paxton.⁴ She married Alonzo Shelburn "Lonnie" "Lonzo" Paxton, son of Winfield Worthington "Worth" Paxton and Polyrena Malinda "Rena" Burnside, on May 20, 1901 at Clay Co., West Virginia.⁴ Nancy Ellen "Nannie" Walker died on May 26, 1932 at Henry, Clay Co., West Virginia, at age 48; Died of cancer.³

     Rev. Jesse Winfield Paxton was buried at Ramsey Cemetery, Enoch, Clay Co., West Virginia.^3,6 He was born on September 23, 1901 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^7,3,6,4 He married Zona Leota Fitzwater on November 18, 1917 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^8,9,7 Rev. Jesse Winfield Paxton died on April 23, 1959 at Sutton, Braxton Co., West Virginia, at age 57.^3,6

     Robert Clarence Paxton was buried at Clay Memorial Gardens, Clay, Clay Co., West Virginia.^7,4 He was born on March 13, 1903 at Ivydale, Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,7,3,4 He married Strossie E. Bailes on July 16, 1922 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,7 Robert Clarence Paxton died on October 25, 1971 at Rainelle, Greenbrier Co., West Virginia, at age 68.^7,4 He R. C. Paxton, 68, of Rainelle died at his home at about 11 p.m. Monday following a long illness. He was born March 13, 1903, in Clay County, a son of the late Lonnie and Nancy Walker Paxton. A retired conductor for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, he was a member of the Brotherhood of Trainmen, and belonged to the First Baptist Church in Rainelle. Survivors include his wife, Strossie Bailes Paxton; three sisters, Mrs. Virginia Hamrick of Rainelle, Mrs. Macel Mullins of Valdosta, Ga., and Mrs. Marie Champagne of Massachusetts, and a half brother Delano Paxton of North Carolina. Burial will be in Clay Memorial Gardens at Clay. on October 27, 1971.⁷

     Her Social Security Number was 236-24-4197.⁸ Maysel Ola Paxton was buried at Sunset Hill Cemetery, Valdosta, Lowndes Co., Georgia.⁹ She was born on June 11, 1905 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^10,8,11,9,7 As of August 28, 1926,her married name was Mullins.¹⁰ She married Herbert Banie Mullins on August 28, 1926 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.¹⁰ Maysel Ola Paxton died on November 5, 1986 at Sarasota Co., Florida, at age 81.^11,9

     Her Social Security Number was 233-96-7019.⁵ Zona Leota Fitzwater was buried at Ramsey Cemetery, Enoch, Clay Co., West Virginia.^6,7 She was born on July 23, 1900 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^5,3,7 As of November 18, 1917,her married name was Paxton.^1,3 She married Rev. Jesse Winfield Paxton, son of Alonzo Shelburn "Lonnie" "Lonzo" Paxton and Nancy Ellen "Nannie" Walker, on November 18, 1917 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,2,3 Zona Leota Fitzwater died on January 16, 1996 at Kanawha Co., West Virginia, at age 95.^6,5,7 She Zona L. Paxton, 95, of St. Albans died Jan. 16, 1996, at Meadow Brooks Nursing Home, after a long illness. She was a member of Widen Baptist Church and a homemaker. Surviving: daughter, C. Lelia Givens of St. Albans; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Carl Wilson Funeral Home, Clay, with the Rev. John Houghton officiating. Burial will be in Ramsey Cemetery, Enoch. Friends may call one hour prior to service at the funeral home Friday.
on January 18, 1996.⁶

     Leon Shelburn Paxton Leon Shelburn Paxton was born on May 20, 1923, at Dundon, in Clay County, West Virginia. His father was Alonzo Shelburn Paxton, and his mother was Nancy Paxton. Leon had four siblings: Jesse, Robert, Maysel, and Virginia.

According to Leon's family, he had grown into "a fine young man." He was lively, light-hearted, and liked by everyone. After receiving two years of high school education, Leon dropped out. Finally, Leon enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 1, 1942, in the midst of the World War when he was only 19 years old. Following boot camp, Leon was able to return home only once while he was in the army. During the time he was home, he told his uncle, Howard Paxton, that he would never come home again, and his apprehension was eventually proven right.

The area in which Leon Paxton grew up was a rural area in a very isolated portion of Clay County. The population of Clay County was at its highest in the 1940s, with 15,206 residents. In 1920, its population was 11,486 residents and that increased to 13,125 residents in 1930. The county was major site for coal mining and timber, and there were also railroads that travelled through the area. One of the railroads went straight through Paxton's birthplace of Dundon. Coal and timber were the primary resources carried by the railroads. In Dundon, there was also a train shop. A neighboring town, Cressmont, had a successful dairy. Enoch, which is where Paxton moved at a young age, had a post office. Schools in Clay County at the time included the Oak Hill School, which was an elementary school, and Clay County High School.

At the beginning of World War II, the United States was hesitant to get involved because of the Depression that had occurred after World War I ended. However, once the United States joined the war, it began producing materials to help with the war effort. West Virginia's slogan was "Mountaineers ever free," which eventually progressed into West Virginians rising to the occasion for the war. West Virginia factories became large producers of materials and supplies for the war. The Kanawha Valley, especially, provided for a lot of the state's war contribution. The state had an abundant source of natural resources, like lumber, and also provided other materials, such as naval vessels and food. Beef cattle were produced on farms across the state, and apple growing became popular on farms, and the apples were primarily supplied to the Allies in Europe. West Virginia also made major contributions by improving its modes of transportation, especially the road system. By making this improvement, West Virginia was able to be more efficient in distributing supplies due to the more easily accessible highways that were created.

Technician Fifth Class Leon Paxton was assigned to F Company, 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. The men in the 1st Ranger Battalion were among the first American soldiers to face combat. In F Company, Leon became a rifleman.

T/5 Leon Paxton's unit was in the European Theater of Operation when it became engaged in the Anzio Beachhead landing in 1944, and from there they participated in the Battle of Cisterna in Italy. The 1st and 3rd Ranger Battalions, composed of 767 men, went out under cover during the night of January 29 into the atrocious battle and only six returned. Leon Paxton was killed in action during this battle on January 30, 1944. He was the runner for Lieutenant James G. Fowler, the courageous leader of the point platoon. The soldiers were cut down by German machine guns; almost all the bodies were not recovered, including Leon's. As a result, he is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, close to where he had died.

At the time of Leon Paxton's death, a lot was going on around the world concerning the war. On January 22, troops from the Fifth Army had swarmed an Italian beach near Anzio. It was a swift quick breach that moved the troops nearly four miles inward by nightfall. On January 27, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin declared the siege of Leningrad over and re-opened the Moscow-Leningrad railway route which played in favor of the Soviets. Six German divisions were moved to Anzio on January 28. On the same day, Hitler demanded Italy's commander-in-chief to drive the Allied forces back into the sea. By January 30, the Allies had suffered around 5,000 casualties in Anzio. By February 10, all Allied gains had been lost. On June 4, after many casualties and struggles, the Americans liberated the Italian capital of Rome. By May of 1944 Cisterna was finally in Allied hands.

While in service, Leon Paxton made noteworthy achievements and received awards including the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, a World War II Victory Medal, an Honorable Service lapel button, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. This veteran will be remembered in many ways: his name is permanently carved on the Tablets of the Missing at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, as well as on the West Virginia Veterans Memorial. Ronnie Hamrick of Clay County, a cousin to Leon, is preparing a book about World War II veterans of that county, so Leon's story will be preserved there as well.¹ He was born on May 20, 1923 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.¹ He died on January 30, 1944 at Battle of Cisterns, Italy, at age 20.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 234-39-1573.⁴ Ida Mae Workman was buried at Ramsey Cemetery, Enoch, Clay Co., West Virginia.^3,5 Her married name was Paxton.¹ She married Alonzo Shelburn "Lonnie" "Lonzo" Paxton, son of Winfield Worthington "Worth" Paxton and Polyrena Malinda "Rena" Burnside.^1,2 Ida Mae Workman was born on August 29, 1898 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^4,5 She died on September 3, 2000 at Summersville, Nicholas Co., West Virginia, at age 102.^3,6,5 She Ida Mae Paxton, 102, of Clay died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000, in Summersville Memorial Hospital. She was a homemaker and member of New Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Surviving: daughters, Marmell O'Brien of Clay, Erma McCune of Ivydale, Evelyn Graham of Ripley; son, Kenneth O'Brien of Clay; brothers, Alton Workman of Canvas, Hollie Workman of Maysel; sister, Alta Brady of Clay; 30 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; 35 great-great-grandchildren. Burial will be in Ramsey Cemetery, Enoch. on September 5, 2000.³

     Virginia Mae/May Paxton was buried at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Massillon, Stark Co., Ohio.⁷ Her Social Security Number was 232-80-9255.⁸ She was born on March 7, 1915 at Eakle, Clay Co., West Virginia.^8,2,3 As of August 13, 1932,her married name was Hamrick.² She married Gilmer Jennings "Buster" Hamrick on August 13, 1932 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.² Virginia Mae/May Paxton died on June 20, 1988 at Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, at age 73.^8,9

     Her married name was Champaigne.⁸ Her Social Security Number was 368-26-2888.³ Marie Clara Paxton married G. H. Champaigne.⁸ Marie Clara Paxton was born on June 12, 1918 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.^9,2,3,10 As of November 15, 1943,her married name was LaValley.⁹ She married Ray Leroy LaValley on November 15, 1943 at Wallback, Clay Co., West Virginia.^8,9 Marie Clara Paxton died on July 10, 2004 at Sarasota, Sarasota Co., Florida, at age 86.^3,10 She Marie Champaigne, 86, Sarasota, died July 10, 2004. She was born June 12, 1918, in West Virginia and came to Sarasota in 1977 from Massachusetts. She was a homemaker. She was a Baptist. There are no known survivors. on July 14, 2004.¹⁰

     Juanita May Butcher Juanita M. Rhines, age 86, passed away Monday, October 25, 2021, in Decatur, Texas. A loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be dearly missed. She was born in Widen, West Virginia, to Melza T. Butcher and Ora M. (Paxton) Butcher, on May 8th, 1935. She moved to the Sacramento, California area in her late teens where she resided with her sister and brother-in-law. She graduated from McClatchy High School in 1954. She married Howard L. Rhines in Sacramento, California, on April 17, 1954. She had a long-standing career as a Supervisor for the State of California, Department of Rehabilitation from which she retired in 1984. Upon retirement she and her husband entered into their own antique business where they traveled across the United States in search of antique clocks and music boxes, their specialties. They enjoyed their travels to locations around the world, but loved the Orient by far. She looked forward to her ladies' game day at the church each month. Her pineapple upside down cake was the best. She also was an avid reader, often times reading up to one book per day. She was always up for any card or board game either in person or on-line. Juanita is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Kathryn M. Phillips, Carl Butcher, Kenneth Butcher, Glenvil Butcher, Farrell Butcher, Vachel Butcher, Dolores Ann Butcher, and survived by her youngest brother Franklin Butcher. She is survived by her husband, Howard L. Rhines; her two daughters, Terrea von Hurwitz, Cynthia Guzman; three grandchildren, Heidi Healy, Brendan Penrose and Briana Penrose Leva; and five great-grandchildren, Cheyanne Penrose, Mariana Penrose, Guinevere Leva, Kanan Leva and Kyber Leva. Pallbearers will be: Mario Guzman, Brendan Penrose, Christian Leva and Lon von Hurwitz. Committal Service at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel and Cemetery.⁷ She was buried at Shannon Rose Hill Memorial Park, 7301 East Lancaster, Fort Worth, Tarrant Co., Texas.⁷ She was born on May 8, 1935 at Widen, Clay Co., West Virginia.² As of April 17, 1954,her married name was Rhines.¹ She married Howard L. Rhines on April 17, 1954 at Sacramento Co., California.^1,7 Juanita May Butcher died on October 25, 2021 at Decatur, Wise Co., Texas, at age 86.⁷

     His Social Security Number was 233-46-1363.⁷ Farrell Ray Butcher was buried at Mentor Municipal Cemetery, Mentor, Lake Co., Ohio.⁸ He was born on June 23, 1930 at Widen, Clay Co., West Virginia.^7,1,2,9,10 He married Sallie Spencer on September 11, 1950 at Gassaway, Braxton Co., West Virginia.^2,11 Farrell Ray Butcher died on September 15, 1992 at Mentor, Lake Co., Ohio, at age 62.^7,1,10

     Franklin Delano Butcher Franklin D. Butcher passed away on July 24th at home with his loving family by his side. He was born November 5, 1936 in Widen, WV to Melza and Ora (Paxton) Butcher. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He retired after working for Ford Motor Co. in Walton Hills for 35 years. He was a loving and very supportive father and grandfather. It meant a lot to him to provide for his family, which he did unconditionally. He was the rock of our family and will be forever missed. He enjoyed golfing, playing poker, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. Frank is preceded in death by his parents Melza and Ora (Paxton) Butcher and brothers Glenville Butcher, Farrell Butcher, Carl Butcher, Kenneth Butcher, Vachel Butcher and sisters Catherine Phillips and Juanita Rhines. He is survived by his children Renee Richardson, Terry (Rose) Butcher, Licia (Pat Hathway) Butcher. Grandchildren: Sherese (Jeff) Powers, Desiree Siley, Tiffany (Justin) Tidmore, Tabitha (Nate) Kahl, Jai Howard, Melisa (Stephen) O'Neil, Ben Butcher, Ryan (Katie) Cooper, Corey (Kelsey Taylor) Cooper and 13 Great-Grandchildren. We would like to thank Crossroad Hospice, UH Nursing Home Care and Rose Butcher for all the love and care they gave to our father. Burial will take place at Beall's Mill Cemetery in Gassaway, WV.² He was buried at Bealls Mill Cemetery, Gassaway, Braxton Co., West Virginia.² He was born on November 5, 1936 at Widen, Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,2,6 He married Ruth Ann Kuhn on August 22, 1960 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.¹ Franklin Delano Butcher and Ruth Ann Kuhn were divorced on December 8, 1975 at Portage Co., Ohio.⁸ Franklin Delano Butcher died on July 24, 2022 at Portage Co., Ohio, at age 85.²

     Cluster Clifton Grose was buried at Rogers Cemetery, Ivydale, Clay Co., West Virginia.¹ He was born on July 21, 1902 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^3,1,2 He married Velma Paxton, daughter of John Riley Paxton and Sarah Victoria Walker, on May 26, 1928 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^4,3 Cluster Clifton Grose died on December 8, 1962 at Clay, Clay Co., West Virginia, at age 60.¹