William "Bill" Claxton

William "Bill" H. Claxton, 91, of Churubusco, passed away on October 6, 2021, at his home. Born in Green Township, Noble County, on February 18, 1930, to the late James and Lura (Diffendarfer) Claxton. He spent his formative years in Green Center. In elementary he started every day off by starting the stove in the Huckleberry schoolhouse. Bill graduated from Churubusco High School in 1948. Bill was married to Shirley Yant in Columbia City in Rev. Shroyer's parsonage, on March 7, 1951. Bill was an electrician for 42 years. During part of that time, he was a co-owner of Claxton Electric, retiring in 1991. He was also a pastor and served at Charter Oak, Thorn Creek and the former Green Township Wesleyan Church. Bill loved the Claxton Tree Farm and just being outdoors. He was a skilled chain saw carver and was a talented metal sculptor. Bill is survived by his wife of 70 years, Shirley Claxton; his six children, Martha (Bill) Coffing, James "Jim" (Joy) Claxton, Mary James, Becky (Ric) Clapp, Debbie Gemple and Lori (Randy) Troyer; two sisters, Betty Hill and Annie Shearer; a brother, Ray (Sue) Claxton; 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sons-in-law, Tom Alberding and David James; brothers, Don and Paul Claxton; sister, Mary Lou Grawcock; brothers-in-law, Bob Shearer, Jack Hill and Robert Grawcock. Calling will take place at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco Chapel, on Sunday, October 10, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, October 11, 2021, at the Churubusco Church of the Nazarene, with calling also one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Acre's Land Trust, Riley Children's Hospital or Parkview Hospice. Online Guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.sheetsandchilds.com. Riley Hospital for Children30 South Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis IN 46204Web: http://www.rileykids.org/ Parkview Home Health & Hospice - Whitley105 North Madison Street, Columbia City IN 46725 ACRES Land Trust1802 Chapman Road PO Box 665, Huntertown IN 46748Tel: 1-260-637-2273Web: https://acreslandtrust.org/participate/give-now/