John Paxton Obituary

John Christopher "Chris" Paxton, 62, of Eudora, KS passed away peacefully Friday, January 26, 2024, at his home with his family by his side after a short battle with cancer.

He was born June 22, 1961, in Junction City, KS. He was the son of Richard J. and Mary Kay (Hinitt) Paxton. Chris grew up in Junction City, KS and attended Junction City Schools, graduating in the class of 1979. Chris worked construction in and around the Junction City area.

He married Katie McGuire in 1983, they had a son Michael, they later divorced. Not long after that Chris met Laura Oliver who would turn out to be his life saver, best friend, and wife. Chris and Laura moved to Lawrence, KS and later moved to Eudora, KS. Chris attended KCK Tech-College where he received a degree in Auto Collision Repair.

He went to work for Hite Collision in Lawrence, and was there for over 15 years, while there he decided to try his hand in the auction business and attended the Missouri Auction School and graduated June of 1999. He continued working in the collision repair business and started Paxton Auction Service. Chris conducted hundreds of auctions, and many were charity fundraisers that he donated his services to and raised well more than a million dollars for charities over the years.

Chris also had a great passion for Hot Rods and Harleys, he loved working on old Harley Davidson Motorcycles, old trucks and go carts for his grandkids.

Chris was approached by Eudora High and was asked if he had an interest in being an instructor in the Auto Collision Repair Shop, he accepted. This venture turned out to be his greatest passion of all. Teaching Auto Collision repair and welding to students was such a joy to him. Chris was an instructor at Eudora High for 11 years and was still trying to make it to school following his doctor's visits and cancer treatments began. Chris said many times, "It's all about the kids, I have to be there."

During his time at Eudora High, he touched thousands of lives, including staff, students, and parents. His goal was to push his students to be the best they could be and that nothing was impossible. He also preached to his students the importance of staying in school and respecting others. Students that were not in his classes would often come to him for advice.

Chris was instrumental in starting a trap shooting team, the "Cardinal Clays" and in a short time kids were qualifying for State and National Competitions. Another event he started was a car show and fundraiser for the school. It started small and has grown to include the Culinary Arts Department which prepares food to sell and other shop departments that build items that Chris would auction off. Within his first year of teaching Chris received the teacher of the month award and in 2022 he was awarded Teacher of the Year.

Another interest and passion of his was arm wrestling, he was approached by a friend about fabricating some equipment for training and Chris stepped up to the plate, and Psycho Arm Sports was born. Chris was initially just fabricating the equipment, but this soon took a turn. He quickly became interested in competing and like everything else he was all in, he began training hard and traveled the circuit to over a dozen states with his Psycho Arm Sport brothers and winning tournaments along the way.

Chris left us way to soon but there is a spot in the hearts of thousands of us that will never forget the amazing man he was. Thank you, Chris Paxton, we will always love you.

Survivors include his wife Laura of Eudora, KS; son, Michael (Amanda) Paxton and their children Conrad, William and Lainey of Troy, MO; mother, Mary Kay Paxton, brother, Craig Paxton, sister, Pam Paxton all of Junction City, KS; brother, Doug (Kacie) Paxton and their children, Josh, Karyssa and Annie all of Ketchikan, AK; stepson, John Paxton and children, Katelyn, JT and Samantha, all of Topeka KS; God Son, Eli Noa of Denver, CO; and an extended family of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard "Dick" J. Paxton; grandparents, Glenn and Katherine Paxton and Conrad and Madeline Hinitt.

Cremation has taken place. Chris's wish was not to have a funeral, but a Celebration of Life which will take place early this Spring. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date in Junction City, KS. Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Eudora, KS is assisting the family.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.