William Esau Laxton

William “Bill” Esau Laxton, 89, of Universal City, originally Huntsville, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 24, 2021, of natural causes. His family was fortunate to be able to spend significant time with him this past year.

Born August 9, 1932, to the late Esau Laxton and the late Mertie West Laxton. Bill is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years; Rosalie Hollenbeck Laxton, brothers; Wilbert Laxton, Dilbert Laxton, Thurman Laxton, Lester Laxton and Jack Laxton; sisters, Nesby Lee Pemberton, Evelyn Jeffers, Doris Thompson, and Dolores Terry; and son, William “Bryan” Laxton.

While living in Texas with his sister, Dolores, Bill met Rosalie. They moved to Oneida where he became Chief of Police. He was honored to follow his father and older brother in a career in law enforcement. After he returned to Texas to work for the Texas Department of Corrections, he attended criminal justice classes at Alvin Community College. Later, he retired from the Texas Department of Transportation.

Bill loved traveling with his family across the USA in his motorhome. They visited relatives in Virgina, Tennessee, and Oklahoma as well as many national and state parks. He excelled at sports at Huntsville High School especially basketball. Throughout his life he loved following all different types of sports and knew all the stats. He was a huge fan of college football particularly the University of Tennessee and Texas A&M University.

Each time a new child was added to the family, you could see the joy and pride on his face. His grandchildren called him “Superman” because he always said “you can’t hurt steel” as they climbed all over him. He was known for his humor and funny expressions. He loved life, his country, and his entire family.

He is survived by his sisters; Mollie Cooper and Verlie Jo Byrd, first wife; Mary Emily Sexton, daughters; Donna Kaye Wojnaroski and Jeannie Jo Jeffers, stepdaughters: Melba Eads and Doretta “Dodie” Checote, grandchildren; Lisa Underwood, Angela Beth Gulley, Daniel Buttram, Tracy Shoopman, Bobbi Jo Roberts, Michael Newport, Darren Newport, Brynae Miley, Lynette Keeton, Tess Laxton, Megan Laxton, Nathan Eads, Aron Eads, Rachel Blum, Ira Eads, Kendra Moriarty, Kevin Moriarty, Kenneth Moriarty, and Christopher Moriarty. He is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service and celebration of life for Bill will be at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1129 Pat Booker Road, Universal City, Texas on Sunday, October 17, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Close friends and family are invited to gather together in memorial.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be sent to St. Jude’s Hospital and Wounded Warriors.