Benjamin Thaxton

May 15, 2013 Benjamin Stokes Thaxton, 91, born in Dewey, OK on August 31, 1921. He entered into rest on May 13, 2013. Ben died at his home in the presence of his wife of 70 years, charlotte Roberta Hale Thaxton. A proud Delaware Native American and member of the Lenape Gould Society, he was born to Otis and Minnie Thaxton. He and his sisters and brother were raised on their mother's allotted Indian land northeast of Dewey. From age 14 Ben worked as a ranch hand on Scudder Ranch until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in July, 1942. He made two trips to South Africa as a military police bringing back German prisoners of war. Later he served as a medic in Verdun, France. He returned to civilian life in January 1946. Ben worked 40 years for the various subsidiaries of Blue Circle Cement Plant, retiring in 1986. He became a deacon in the First Baptist Church of Dewey, OK in 1958. The Thaxton family relocated to Claremore, OK in 1966. Afterwards he served as both active and inactive deacon and Sunday school teacher in various local churches. He was preceded in death by his parents, six infant brothers, a brother Dempsey Logan Thaxton, and a sister Frances Mary Hudson. He is survived by his wife of almost 71 years, Charlotte, of the home, his children: Linda Thaxton Boggs, Ben D. Thaxton, Nancy Thaxton Messimore and her husband Johnny, Lori Thaxton Hager and her husband Stephen, Todd Thaxton and his wife Dana, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister Bonnie Lee Thaxton, and numerous nieces and nephews. Private services under the direction of Kennedy-Kennard Catoosa will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to First Baptist Church of Verdigris would be appreciated. Kennedy-Kennard Catoosa, 202 E. Oak St. Catoosa, OK 74015. kennedycares.com