Richard W. Saxton Sr. a longtime member of Oil and Gas Patch and resident of Johannesburg since 1970, passed away Jul 22, 1999, at his residence, following an extended illness.
Rick was born May 1, 1946, in St. Johns, the son of Robert and Patricia (Praay) Saxton. They lived in Elsie until Rick was in the eighth grade and then moved to Litchfield where he graduated from Litchfield High School in Jun 1964.
Rick joined the Air Force in Jun 1964, and served four years active duty, including three years in Vietnam. He was discharged in Jun 1968 after being stationed in Florida, where he obtained the rank of staff sergeant.
In 1969, Rick married Dolores Jean Crowley and was married to her for four years. During that time, Rick became a member of the Albion Police Department and started his first company Saxton Production Company, with Sid Jansona Jr, obtaining a contract to pump wells for Wolverine Gas and Oil Company.
During this period Rick also lived in Rapid City, where he was employed by U & I Supply Co and set up the first Midway Supply in Mancelona. He also served as a special deputy covering the Rapid City Area under the direction of the sheriff Earl Woodman.
On Nov 24, 1973, Rick married Cindy Lou Woodman. Rick worked for his parents at their Saxton Production Company in South Boardman until March 1975. At that time, Rick and Cindy started Bear Cat Production Company, which they operated until Jul 1995. They had pumping contracts with Wolverine Gas and Oil Jennings Petroleum, Southern Petroleum, Independent Oil, Stevenson Oil, Getty Oil, and Collins Brothers Oil, among others. In Jul 1995, Rick went to work for Wolverine Services Company, now known, as Great Lakes Compression, where he worked until the time of his death.
Rick was a member of Michigan Oil and Gas Association from 1985 - 1995. He was also a life member of the National Rifle Association and the Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department.
Rick is survived by wife Cindy; sons Rick Jr (Jamie) of Lansing, and Dewey of Johannesburg; daughters Sara and Stacey, both at home; parents Robert and Patricia Saxton of South Boardman; brother Robert (Janice) Saxton and sister Bonnie (Keith) Avery, both of Kalkaska; and a great many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Jul 24 with Pastor Ted Turanski officiating. Burial was in Boardman Township Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by the Green Funeral Home of Atlanta.
