Philip K. SAXTON

SAXTON, HARSH, PATTEN, BRUNDAGE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/12/2015 at 00:03:37

December 5, 1925 --- July 29, 2015

Philip K. Saxton -- San Pablo
Phil passed away on July 29th following a brief illness brought on by congestive heart failure. He was a beloved father, friend, and civic leader whose integrity and intelligence will long be treasured by the many family and friends who counted on his unflagging willingness to help out with enterprises big and small for so many years. Phil rarely said, "no."

Phil was born in Hardy, Iowa on December 5, 1925 on his parents' 80-acre farm. His plowing years began behind a team of draft horses and his love of reading began beside a kerosene lamp. He graduated from high school in 1943 and spent a year at the University of Iowa before joining the Navy in 1944, serving in the Naval Armed Guard aboard merchant ships that took him around the world. Phil retired from truck driving in 1986 after more than 30 years on the road. He was a gifted photographer, an enthusiastic ham radio operator, and master of all things mechanical and electrical. He served on the San Pablo Senior Center Advisory Board for 25 years, and chaired it for most of that time. He was named San Pablo's Man of the Year in 2004. His contributions to the Senior Center and to the City of San Pablo were the hallmarks of his retirement years.

Phil is survived by his children, Linda Harsh, Lorna Patten (Dennis), and Steve Saxton (Candace), along with six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marge, brother and sister, Clark Saxton and Dorothy Brundage, and by his grandson, Nate Saxton. A remembrance will be held at the San Pablo Eagles' Hall, 14789 San Pablo Ave., on September 19th at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation would be most welcome.

Contra Costa Times -- Walnut Creek, CA
September 4, 2015