Dennis W. “Packee” Paxton

Dennis Wayne “Packee” Paxton, 74, of Sedalia, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Good Shepherd Care Center in Versailles.

He was born February 20, 1949, in Sedalia, a son of the late Freeman and Dora (McBain) Paxton.

Dennis served his country honorably in the US Army 1969-1970 during the Vietnam War.

He worked at Boonville Department of Corrections as a prison guard and counselor until his retirement on December 1, 2006. He had 40 years of sobriety and ministry in AA.

Dennis was a lifetime member of VFW Post 2591 and American Legion Post 642, and member of 40&8.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching baseball and football on TV. He loved to shoot pool and played on a league for five years.

Survivors include two children, Denise Meloy (Donnie), of Sedalia, and Douglass Paxton (Heather), of Alton, IL; two siblings, Donnie Paxton (Patsy) and Janice Tucker (Wayne), all of Sedalia; two grandchildren, Madi Meloy (Jesse) and Evan Meloy, all of Sedalia; and two great-grandchildren, Remy Reed and Roman Reed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Pamela Ramey.

Visitation will be 6 pm until 8 pm Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Heckart Funeral Home.

Memorial service will be 10:30 am Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Heckart Funeral Home with Rev. Jay McMillin officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Winfrey, Philip Ramey, Scott Tucker, Chad Paxton, Lewis Bybee, Bill Samson, Steve Bargfrede and Kristi Houston.

Inurnment will be at 1 pm Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville with full military honors.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Disabled American Veterans in care of Heckart Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Heckart Funeral Home and Cremation Services.