Jack T. Paxton

Jack passed away at home with family at his side Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, at the age of 95. Jack was born in the small town of Tenaha, Texas on December 21, 1927 to Roy and Hazel Paxton. He was the youngest of three children. In his humble upbringing, Jack developed a strong work ethic when he started selling peanuts on the town square at age six. At 12 years old, he delivered three different newspapers each morning on horseback to the Tenaha residents. At 15, he worked for the family cafe. He was senior class president of Tenaha High School in 1946. After high school, Jack bought the cafe. He met the love of his life and married June in 1953 and remained married for 63 years until her death in 2017. He served in the Army and was stationed in Korea during the Korean War.

Later they moved to Tyler, Texas were he owned a fence company. After two years of living in Tyler, they moved to St. Louis, Mo. for 10 years where he continued in the fence business. He moved his family of four to El Paso in 1967. He owned different businesses beginning with Baron Chemical, Stevens McMaster, Sun Glass and in 1980 he purchased Hardware Specialties, where his son Jeff still runs the business. In his 55-plus years as an El Paso businessman, he had many wonderful and dedicated employees which helped him achieve success.

Jack was a very successful businessman with just a high school education and a lot of common sense. He was a great teacher on how to run a business and how to treat people right. He was a very giving and loving man and always provided for his family and others. Jack loved to share stories about his life and he had a great sense of humor. He always said, “We are not big shots, but just working people.”

He is survived by his daughter, Jan Noah and husband Randy of Albuquerque, N.M., son Jeff Paxton and wife Bonny of El Paso. He leaves behind grandchildren David, Laura, and Justin and great grandchildren Matthew, Nathan, and Landon as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Louise and Margaret, and wife June.

Our deepest appreciation goes to Betty, Ithai, and Claudia who helped care for him at home.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Evergreen Funeral Home, 12400 Montana. Chapel Service will be Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Funeral Home with entombment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery East.

Serving as pallbearers will be David Noah, Justin Paxton, Bernie Arriaga, Tony Carrasco, Jessie Carrasco, and Bill Wallace. A reception will be held upon conclusion of services at Evergreen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.