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Robert John “Bob” Paxton passed away at Cody Regional Health Spirit Mountain Hospice House on Feb. 12, 2025, at the age of 71. He was born to Wayne and Rhea Paxton of Manderson on May 5, 1953, in Basin, Wyoming.
After graduating from Manderson-Hyattville High School and attending Northwest College, he got the traveling bug. After purchasing his first Peterbilt truck he hit the road trucking throughout the Western states and Canada. Staying connected with his old friends and making new ones, his visiting time multiplied.
In 1982 on Oct. 15 (no hunting license that year) Bob married the love of his life Bobbi Brunk of Ten Sleep, Wyoming. They settled down on a small place south of Basin and started their family of two sons, Zach and Brenton. He was so proud of both sons and enjoyed watching them in all their sports, FFA, 4-H and growing into young men, all the time instilling in them the ability to work hard and show respect towards others. (I believe the community would also say the ability to talk rubbed off on them as well).
One would say Bob’s true passion was farming and thus purchasing two additional places on Orchard Bench to expand his operation. Here he was able to share his life with his seven grandkids. Yet, others would say his true passion was his ability to talk. He never knew a stranger or one he could not strike up a conversation with. He was always willing to give a helping hand if one was needed. His father-in-law commented once,” Bob you know everyone.”
He worked most of his life at the Big Horn County Road and Bridge as a grader operator, traveling the roads with his trusty cellphone and sparking up conversations with old friends and neighbors. Later he moved on to work for TCT West and Yellowstone Bean Company before finally retiring.
Bob was preceded in death by his father Wayne Paxton, mother Rhea Paxton, sister-in-law Cherie and nephew Cory Gopp. He is survived by his wife Bobbi Paxton of Basin, Wyoming, two sons Zach (Christina) Paxton of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Brenton (Justine) Paxton of Basin, Wyoming; seven wonderful grandchildren, Hayden, Brooklynn, Carston and Hudson Paxton of Basin, Wyoming and Hailey, Tucker and Hunter Paxton of Sheridan, Wyoming.
Funeral services will be held Feb. 21, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Basin Baptist Church. A luncheon will follow.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation at Big Horn Federal or Security State for a Paintrock FFA scholarship.
Memories and condolences may be shared on Bob’s memorial page at BallardFH.com.
