Robert E. "Pops" Paxton

Pastor Robert E. “Pops” Paxton, age 83 of Hardy, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, June 26, 2019 following a long illness.

Pops was born in Bath County May 2, 1936 and lived in Hardy the last 35 years. He was the son of the late Carl V. and Ruby L. Oakes Paxton.

Pops served with the US Army during the Korean Conflict and retired from Citadel Cement in Daleville after 25 years of service. Additionally, he served as pastor for Oakwood Baptist Church for many years and was a pulpit supply pastor for area churches. Pops favorite place to share and witness the Word of God was at the Veterans Care Center. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, preaching, and reading his Bible.

In addition to his parents, Pops was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Victoria Diehl and brother, Carl Paxton, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alice E. Crowder Paxton; sons and daughters-in-law: Clinton and Debbie Paxton of Blue Ridge, Wayne and Kim Paxton of Vinton; church daughter, Judy Shipe of Vinton; seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; and sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Paul McFarland of Winchester, Virginia.

A celebration honoring Pops’ life will be 11:00 am Monday, July 1 at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road Daleville with Pastor Jason Bennett officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Glade Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 2-5 pm Sunday.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.rader-funeralhome.com.

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