David "Dave" E. Paxton

David E. Paxton, 73, of Geneseo, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Harmony Utica Ridge, Davenport, IA.  Cremation Rites have been accorded and a funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 19, 2024, at St. Malachy Catholic Church.  Father Daniel Gifford will celebrate.  A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  A Loyal Order of Moose Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Geneseo Moose Lodge #990 and the Maple City Cruisers.

Dave was born November 7, 1950, the son of Edward E. and Marjorie M. (Bouwens) Paxton, in Geneseo, IL.  He had a younger brother, Larry, and a younger sister, Janet.  He attended the St. Malachy school for 8 years and went on to graduate from JD Darnall High School, class of 1968. 

Dave worked many years at U-Nash Machine Repair after high school and then Co-Op Fertilizer driving a nurse truck for a short time. He was employed from April 1, 1987 – April 3, 2019, at Seaburg Industry, during this time, he earned a Completion of Apprenticeship in Machine Repair. 

Dave married Monica L. Schweninger on November 5, 1983.  They were married almost 41 years before his passing. They enjoyed 40 years of vacations in the Lake of the Ozarks with his aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Dave enjoyed his motorcycle, golfing in his younger days, along with fishing for 34 years from his property on Lake Thunderhead, Unionville, MO and numerous trips to Wisconsin “with the boys”, boating, water skiing (in his later years, he was more of a boat driver than a skier), and bowling.  During his 50+ years of bowling in 3-4 leagues – he earned a “300” and “800” series ring for his accomplishments. 

He joined the LOOM – Geneseo Moose Lodge #990 on November 1, 1977, and served in the offices of Governor (3 terms), Jr. Governor (3 terms), Jr. Past Governor (5 terms), and 6 terms as administrator.  He also was trustee (2 terms), he was Prelate (3 terms), and Chaplain of Legion #112 – Western, IL (2 terms).  On August 28, 1984, he became a Legionaire and earned his Fellowship degree on August 11, 1990.  Dave also held the offices of Secretary and Treasurer in the Maple City Cruisers Car Club.  He became a charter member in 2005.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Monica; sister-in-law, Shelley Paxton; aunt and uncle, Elaine and Gene Bouwens; several nieces and nephews; and several cousins.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marjorie Paxton; brother, Larry Paxton; and sister, Janet Paxton.