Sam M. Paxson

The Honorable Sam M. Paxson peacefully passed away at his home on March 11, 2013. Although he established a firm reputation as a legal scholar and jurist, he will undoubtedly be remembered most for his optimism for life and his generosity of spirit. Always giving of his time, his wealth of knowledge, and most importantly, his loving affection towards his family and friends. He felt most honored in having served the people of El Paso, as the first judge of the 210th District Court for 28 years, and for 13 years as a Senior District Judge. He was born in Albuquerque on May 26, 1934. He moved to El Paso as a very young child and lived in the Lower Valley where he attended Cooley Elementary and graduated from Ysleta High School. In high school he played football where he was recognized as an All District player. He attended Texas Western College where he also played football, but when he sustained an injury he left the game and further dedicated himself to his studies. He received his business degree from Texas Western College and then attended law school and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. After law school he served in the United States Army, as a 1st Lieutenant in the Military Police. Judge Paxson started his legal career in El Paso, first sharing space with the late Charles Windberg and then reunited with his childhood friends, the former State Senator Tati Santiesteban and the late Wesley Martin. In 1974, Governor Dolph Briscoe appointed Paxson to the state district bench where he served until 2001. Paxson was also the first El Paso judge to be appointed by Governor Mark White to serve as Administrative Presiding Judge of the 6th Administrative District of Texas, which encompasses 22 counties from 1986 to 1990. As a judge, he consistently served from eight to five and in over twenty years he was absent one day due to illness. His court earned the name, “the rocket docket”, as many attorney’s called it-- because he had the most current and fastest moving criminal and civil docket, having tried over 1,000 jury trials. He would often repeat, “Justice delayed is justice denied—so let’s roll”. Paxson was also known for his punctuality, never keeping lawyers, their clients, or citizens on jury summons waiting. He thought it disrespectful to keep anyone waiting, as he would state, “Other people’s time is just as valuable as mine”. In over 28 years, he never held an attorney in contempt, as he would say that in the end, they all do the right thing, no need to pound your fists or chest. When you give respect, you usually get it back. His love for humanity was evident not only by his words, but more so, by his actions. During his retirement, he continued to serve as senior state judge and worked through this last weekend in the El Paso County Jail. In recent years, Judge Paxson was very happy and fulfilled in watching four grandchildren flourish. He cherished his mornings because he began each day taking his grandson, Sam, to school everyday and watching him excel in many youth sports. He also found it gratifying to join the members of his congregation at Zion Lutheran Church for Sunday worship hour. He enjoyed Bible studies and communicating with his friend and Pastor Howard Patton. Paxson was preceded in death by his father, Audian Paxson, mother Dorothy Geyer, step-father Henry Geyer, and brother Audian. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Gloria de la Garza Paxson, and his children Peyton, Kurt, Christian, Yvonne, and Marc. He had four grandchildren, Christian Paxson Jr., Brooke Paxson, Grant Paxson, and Sam Schwartz and many nephews and nieces.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM at Martin Funeral Home West. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 12:30 PM at Zion Lutheran Church, 2800 Pershing, El Paso Texas 79903. Interment to follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Judge Sam M. Paxson Scholarship Fund / UTEP Law School Preparation Institute. Gifts may be mailed to UTEP Office of Institutional Advancement, Kelly Hall 7th floor, 500 W. University Ave. El Paso, Tx. 79968 or gifts may be made online at givingto.utep.edu and please indicate the Judge Sam M. Paxson scholarship fund.