Thomas (Tom) Spencer Axtell's Obituary
On September 17th, Tom passed away in Gladewater, TX, comforted by his wife at their lovely lakeside home. Tom was 67 when he lost his 7-year battle with cancer.
Tom was born on November 28th, 1946 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was the 3rd child of Gordon and Mabel Axtell, and is survived by his adoring and cherished wife, Suzanne; son Matthew and wife Angie; Suzanne’s children and their spouses, Shannon and Art Karl, and Leo and Charito Bounds; brother Keith and wife Denise; brother Kent and wife Jan; sister Phyllis Swanson and husband Ernie; and five grandchildren (Alyssa, Dylan, Macie, Spencer and Hayden), who were blessed to have been part of his life. He also leaves behind many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list, but not forgotten, and was preceded in death by his parents; his sons’ mother, Cheryl Peterson Axtell; and son, Spencer Thomas Axtell.
Tom will be best remembered for his love of family, zest for life, and generous encouragement of all who knew him. He was a lover of all games and a master storyteller. His diverse life experience included everything from adventurous travels to creating a pay phone business and remodeling houses. He was perhaps best known for genetically selecting and breeding champion pigs, and developing and selling his own feed formula after being inspired by his son Matt’s interest in 4-H in the 80s. He then used that knowledge to develop young FFA students to become champions themselves.
A celebration of Tom’s life is planned for Saturday, Sept. 20th at 5 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas, who will also be managing cremation arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
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