Charles F Paxton

Charles Faris Paxton, 76, passed into the presence of the Lord peacefully with his wife by his side on January 16, 2025 in Moscow, Idaho. Known for his warm personality and natural gift for storytelling, he will be missed by many. Born on October 28, 1948, in Monticello, Arkansas,  to Faris and Velda Rae Paxton, Charles lived a full life of friendship, hard work, and most of all, love for his family. Charles grew up in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, where he graduated from Walnut Ridge High School in 1967. He met and married the love of his life, Debbie Holder Paxton, also of Walnut Ridge, and they married on October 12, 1973. They celebrated 51 years together this past year. Charles’ diverse interests led him to several careers, including barber, butcher, and for several decades, as a machinist. He worked hard to provide for his family, enduring long shifts and difficult work with perseverance. In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors, motorcycles, fishing, and hunting—all before grandkids! His grandchildren were the joy of his life, and they knew it! He was happy to spend hours playing tic tac toe or telling stories or just enjoying their company. His chats and stories will be missed sorely. Charles is survived by his wife Debbie Paxton of Palouse, Washington and his son Faris (wife Merilee Paxton) of Moscow, Idaho and five grandchildren who comprised Grandaddy’s fan club (Henry, Kate, Meriam, John, and Benjamin). He is also survived by siblings Byron Paxton of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Phyllis Jones of Bono, Arkansas and Adele Holmes of Benton, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Tennison.

A celebration of Charles’ life will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Short’s Funeral Chapel in Moscow, Idaho. A graveside service will follow at Moscow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send financial gifts to Palouse Fellowship, 611 Lynn St., Moscow, ID 83843, with the memo line designating “Autism Education.”