Milton Saxon
Died: 3/22/2019
Description:
Milton was many things, among them a devoted husband and father, an educator, a veteran and patriot, a Christian, an athlete, an artisan and a man with many and varied interests and hobbies. He was born in Houston, Texas and given up for adoption to loving parents Roy and Mary Gladys Saxon. He spent most of his childhood in the Rio Grande Valley, and his school years in McAllen, Texas.
Milton lived a very full life and took great satisfaction in giving back to whichever community he called home. Longview, Texas was his home for the last 46 years. He and his wife Darlette moved to Longview in 1973 and quickly made it their home. Milton was the Assistant Superintendent of schools for the Longview Independent School District for seven years. He also served for seven years as the principal of Mozelle Johnston Elementary School and he considered those years to be some of the most enjoyable and productive of all his years in education.
During his time in Longview he served as an officer of the Kiwanis Club, Longview Beautification Association, American Cancer Society, the Longview Tennis Association, and the Marine Corps League.
He was honored by the local newspaper in their “People Who Make A Difference” campaign, by United Way with their Outstanding Volunteer Award, the teachers Human Relations Reward, the Methodist Church Outstanding Teacher Award, and the one he was most proud of from his Mozelle Johnston students, “The Best Principal in the Whole World” award.
Milton served in the 4th Marine Division as a mortar man during the Marine’s landing and assault on Iwo Jima during WWII. This service would shape a huge part of his life.
He received his bachelor’s and masters in education from Texas A&I in Kingsville. While at A&I he was also quarterback of the football team. Afterward graduating he began his 37 years of educational service with stints at Banquete, Texas, San Perlita, Texas and Elgin, Texas before moving to Longview.
Milton lost his beloved wife Darlette in August of 2017. He was also preceded in death by his eldest son Mack.
Surviving are children Tana Shipman, Brad Saxon and wife Cynthia, and Jill Saxon; grandsons Brett, Clay and Wade Shipman and granddaughter Chelsea Tate Copeland and husband Spencer; and great grandsons Connor and Braden Shipman and Dillon Copeland.
He is also survived by his brother Bob Saxon and wife Colleen , brother-in-law Jim McCain and wife Betty and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at the First United Methodist Church of Longview on Saturday March 30th at 2 p.m. Visitation will be at Rader Funeral Home on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Burial will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
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