
Earl, as family and friends affectionately called him, was born May 2, 1926 on the Saxton Family Farm on the Porter Road (Troy Township) to Willis and Aline (Leonard) Saxton.
Throughout his youth he worked on his family farm alongside his father and brothers, learning from them at a very early age the value of a hard day’s work. Known as the “Tyrone Power” of Troy High School, Earl was a 1944 graduate where he played on the basketball team for three years, often walking home from practice in sub-zero temperatures just be able to enjoy a game he loved. He was a member of the Troy squad that won the 1944 Roosevelt Trail League championship.
After high school he served honorably in the United States Army as a Field Lineman from 1946 to 1948. On June 11, 1949 he married his high school sweetheart, Janice Monro, and together they moved to their family farm, just up the Porter Road from where he was born, and raised three daughters, Sandra (David) Clink, Columbia Cross Roads, PA, Sharon (Gregory) Jones, Clermont, Fl and Mansfield, PA, and Susan (Thomas) Evans, Litchfield, NH.
Earl was the proud Grandfather of Stephanie (George) Welch, Jr., Robert (Brenda) Clink, Laurel (Benjamin) Olney, Kirby Jones, Sarah Evans, and Jennifer Evans. He was a Great-Grandfather to George John Welch III, Andrew Welch, Caroline Welch, Graidy Olney, Fianna Olney, Elara Olney, and Sofia Clink. Earl is also survived by his sister-in-law, Doris Saxton, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Arthur and Charles Saxton; sisters Elorena Sims and Mary Louise Sartell; and, in July of 2016, his loving wife of 67 years, Janice M. Saxton.
Family and friends are invited to call from 10:00 to 11:30 AM on February 16, at the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 1093 West Main Street, Troy PA 16947.
Earl’s funeral and committal service will follow at 11:30 AM with Reverend Garry Zuber of the First Baptist Church of Troy Officiating. The Troy Veteran’s Honor Squad will accord him military honors. Interment will be when weather permits in Glenwood Cemetery, Troy, PA.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider memorials to Twin Oaks Personal Care Home Activities Fund, 100 Cowley Road, Granville Summit, PA, 16926, or to the Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Road, Towanda, PA 18848.
Online condolences can be posted at www.Vickeryfh.com