Obituary of William T. Buxton

William Thorp (Bill) Buxton passed from this life on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at his home in Plainview, Texas.

He was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on February 25, 1957, to Richard W. and Joan Myers Buxton. In early childhood, the family moved to Iowa City, Iowa, where the family made their long-time home.  Bill proudly attended Longfellow Elementary, Southeast Junior High, and graduated from City High in 1975.  He swam competitively throughout childhood and into college years. He continued his love of swimming into adult life. Bill graduated from Western Illinois University where he was a member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity. Following graduation he taught high school history and was a coach for one year.  Bill then began a career with Pioneer Hi-Bred (DuPont) and was moved to the Plainview, Texas Production Plant. He continued his work there for 35 plus years. In Plainview, he was a member of the First Baptist Church, and in Iowa City a member of the Congregational Church of Christ.

Bill married Becky Garrett Russell on June 22, 1991, and on that day became the proud father to Amy Katherine. He later was blessed again with the birth of a son, Matthew Blake-Garrett Buxton. Known as husband, father, Papa Bull, mentor, coach and home barber, Bill lived life with energy and love of family.  Considered the “ultimate family man” by his children, he loved his fishing crew of friends.  He had a constant supply of “bad dad jokes” and a handshake and smile for all.  A Texan for 35+ years, his heart was always with the Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs.

He leaves behind his wife, Becky, of the home, his daughter Amy and fiancé Sammy Rivas of Lubbock, Texas, a son, Matthew of Lubbock, grandchildren Ava, Hudson, and Kellen Campbell with their father, Chad Campbell along with Sophie, Seth and Shelby Rivas; his mother Joan Buxton of Iowa City, Iowa, mother and father-in-law Raby and Lanell Garrett of Plainview, brothers and sister-in-law’s, Jim and Becky Buxton of Iowa City, Iowa, Tom and Katie Buxton of Crystal Lake, Illinois, sister and brother-in-law Susan and Brad Linn of Carson City, Nevada.  Bill had a special bond with nephews Trevor, Derek, Grant, Zach, Pat and Connor Buxton and nieces, Carrie and Elisabeth Linn.  He also leaves extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins.

He was preceded by his father, Richard (Dick) Buxton and his grandparents, Richard and Bess Buxton and Harold (Hank) and Gladys Myers.

A time for family and friends to gather will be held from 2 to 4 pm Saturday, January 27, 2018, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Bill’s memory to the YMCA of Plainview, TX (313 Ennis St., Plainview, TX 79072).