R.L. Axton, Sr. was reunited in Heaven with the love of his life on November 3, 2021.
He was known by many different names: Mr. R.L., Daddy, Pappaw, Big R.L., and Watermelon Man, just to name a few. Regardless of what name you used, to know R.L. was to love him. He was one of the funniest, kindest, most genuine people in the world.
We will not focus on the two dates listed above, but on the dash in between, which represents the time spent on this earth. R.L. made the most of that dash. He was as stubborn as they come but he did the things that he enjoyed, and he did them unapologetically. Despite his wife’s attempts to convince him that he shouldn’t ride the lawn mower or that he couldn’t break that horse, he was determined to do so. In case you were wondering, he did not break that horse and the lawn mower ended up upside down on the far side of the pond once.
He never met a stranger and he would talk your ears off if you’d stand there long enough. He never missed an opportunity to tell a joke (whether it was an appropriate joke or not is another story). He could usually be found fishing in his pond, watching The Rifleman for the 15th time, making unnecessary trips to the gas station, or pretending that he was “just resting his eyes” in his recliner. He loved his wife, his Corvette, Western movies, Elvis, and a cold glass of Dr. Pepper. More than anything, he loved the Lord and his family beyond belief. He took advantage of every opportunity to let his family know that they were loved.
He made a lifelong impression on all who met him, and he will be dearly missed. While our hearts may be heavy now, we know that he has been counting the days until he could be reunited with his beloved wife, and we will rejoice knowing that they are no longer apart.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children: R.L. Axton, Jr., Lynette Axton (fiancé, Mark Key), and Stacy Hurst (husband, Mike); Grandchildren: Ricky Axton (wife, Shara), Scottie Chandler (wife, Ceira), Matthew Key (fiancé, Aleah Frazier), Rayne Axton, and Erin Winborne (husband, Chad); Great Grandchildren: Landon, Layton, and Lanie Axton, Scott Chandler, Kayslee Bennett-Chandler, Colson Key, Haven Owen, and Milliann Winborne; Brother: William “Buddy” Axton (wife, Betty); and more extended family than we can count.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Jessie, his Mother (Ida) and Father (Rufus), and 2 brothers (Jimmy and Sonny).
A memorial service will be held at LifeChurch.La in Ruston, Louisiana on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to LifeChurch.La.
Online condolences may be extended to family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com