James Richard (Dick) Laxton 76 of Columbia, IL, born on August 7, 1944 in St. Louis, MO, Dick passed into his Saviors arms on Sunday, May 23, 2021, at Mercy South.

Dick was a U.S. Army veteran in the Infantry Division, He was an active member and a deacon at First Baptist Church in Columbia, IL, He retired from Solutia Chemical Co.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Mora and Mary Elizabeth "Leaper" Laxton; and one brother, Terry Laxton.

Surviving are his loving wife of over 55 years, Janet L. Laxton, nee Wakefield; two sons, Mark (Shannon) Laxton of Columbia, IL, and Brett (Amy) Laxton of Katy, TX.; nine grandchildren, Makenna (Quin) Norris, Sawyer Laxton, Malaine Laxton, Syler Laxton, Mavery Laxton, Sage Laxton, Mercie Laxton, Tyler Laxton and Graham Laxton. Dick was also a dear uncle, cousin, brother-in-law and friend to many.

Online condolences may be expressed at braunfh.com

Memorials may be made to Children's Tumor Foundation PO Box 7247, Philadelphia, PA 19170 or to First Baptist Church in Columbia, IL.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church 1200 Valmeyer Rd. Columbia, IL. and on Wednesday, June 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Columbia, IL. with Pastor Jonathan Peters officiating. Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois was entrusted with the care of Mr. Laxton.

"Due to unforeseen conditions the family requests that everyone wear a mask"