Patricia Sue Paxton

Patricia Sue Paxton, 81, of Kewanee, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Hillcrest Home, Geneseo.  

Pat was born June 7, 1941, the daughter of Donald and Louisa (Vance) Deskin, in Lockport, IL.  She attended high school in Bradford, Illinois. She married James Rawlings, Sr. on August 8, 1958.  He preceded her in death on April 11, 1972. She met Clyde Paxton, her second husband, while bowling on a league, a past-time they enjoyed throughout their marriage. They were married on August 2, 1974. He preceded her in death on December 16, 2004. Pat was a life-long member of the Kewanee First Baptist Church and active with the Kewanee Senior Citizens, Marine Corp League Auxiliary, 40 & 8, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Sunday School Berean class and served as president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and on the Illinois State Fair Board. She worked as a shoe department manager at Kewanee Walmart for 20+ years. Pat loved her country and always supported veterans and both husbands and sons served in the Armed Forces. In her spare time she enjoyed traveling, researching genealogy, attending craft fairs, sewing, crocheting, bird-watching, games and puzzles.  Pat was always very social and had a great sense of humor.  She loved spending time with her family and friends and was loved dearly by them all.  She will be remembered for her wonderful stories and ornery spirit.  She lived her last few years by her cousin Raelee Moore and together they shared many adventures. Those left to cherish her memory include son, James E. (Diana) Rawlings, Jr. of Malden, IL; stepson, Jeff (Rita) Paxton of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Kelly (Jacob) Lay, Jessica (Matt) Warren, Dana Rawlings, Remi Rawlings, Hannah Paxton, and Emily Paxton; great-grandchildren, Lucy Martin, Maddox Martin; and many special nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives. She was very excited about her great-granddaughter “baby Warren” on the way. 

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Louisa Deskin; husbands, James Rawlings, Sr. and Clyde Paxton; son, Donald Mark Rawlings; stepson, Gregory Paxton; grandchild, Andrew Paxton; sister, Nancy Moore, and three brothers, Sherman Deskin, Vance Deskin and Donald Deskin. 

Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held this summer, with details to be announced at a later date.  Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memorials may be directed to the family, which will be distributed accordingly.  Online condolences may be left by visiting www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.