Phillip M. Paxson, 80, left his earthly home on Friday, October 7, 2022 at Midland Hospice House. Phil was born in Topeka to Verl and Laura Montague Paxson. He lived in the Topeka area all his life. He attended local schools and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1960. He also attended Vo-Tech for welding. Phil became an apprentice with Local 10 of the Iron Worker Union.

He enlisted in the Navy and served as a Seabee. Phil served in Vietnam and in Adak, Alaska. He was honorably discharged in April of 1967.

When he returned from the service he continued with Local 10 of the Iron Workers Local. He worked on many buildings in Topeka and on the construction of Jeffrey Energy Plant. He was a iron worker for over 30 years before retiring in 1997.

In 1970 he was married to Linda Seabolt. To this union two children were born, Heath and Jennifer. Phil and Linda later divorced. In 1985 Phil married Helen Sauvage. They would have been married 37 years in November.

Phil is survived by his wife, Helen of the home; son Heath (Janel) of Hoyt; daughter Jennifer Paxson of Topeka; stepsons, Tom (Amy) Sauvage of Pacific, Mo, Tim (Kat) Sauvage of Salt Lake City; granddaughter, Annabell Hall of Topeka; step grandchildren, Gabriella (Beau) Talley of Mexico, Mo, Ryan (Brooke) Sauvage, Springfield, Mo, Jacob Sauvage of Pacific, Mo; brothers in law, Charles (Janie) Cottrell of Centralia, Ks; Warren Cottrell of Onaga, Kansas; nieces and nephews; and his four legged companion Cooper.

Phil was preceded in death by his brother, Steve, who was killed in Vietnam in 1969; his parents; step daughter, Debra King.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 am on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Davidson Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at 2:30 pm on Thursday at the Corning Cemetery in Nemaha County. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice House, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606. To read Mr. Paxson’s full obituary or leave the family a message please visit www.davidsonfuneral.com.