Carl Saxton

Carl Saxton of Marcellus, age 76, died on December 27, 2025. Carl was born January 28, 1949 in Paw Paw to Vern and Doris (Haley) Saxton. As a young man, Carl left high school to serve his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. After returning home, he completed high school and set out to build a life centered on hard work and providing for his family. Always willing to follow opportunity, Carl went to work for Amtrak, where he spent 30 years before retiring. During his career, he developed many lasting friendships and took pride in having a good, steady job during a time when such opportunities were not always easy to find. Carl especially cherished time spent with family. He shared a love of hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles with his wife, Joan. Together they traveled all over the country, often with a camper that could haul their motorcycles and four-wheelers. At home, Carl could often be found relaxing with classic old western movies and black-and-white films. Above all, he would do anything to take care of his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Arden Saxton, Virgil Saxton, Geraldine Schoudt, and Maxine Barker. Surviving are his wife of 26 years Joan Burlew-Saxton; sons: Carl Saxton Jr and Travis Saxton; stepchildren: Gabriel (Deborah Breen) Burlew, Katrina (Scott) Adler, Chad (Caylin) Burlew, Nicole (Kris) Martini, and William (Kasey) Burlew; sister Patricia Pfannes; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Private burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Celebrate Carl’s life online by sharing stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial donations to American Legion Waters-Hackenberg Post 220 in Lawton. Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M40, Paw Paw (269) 657-3870.