Alan Paxton, 59, passed away peacefully at about 12:10 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at his home in Springfield, Illinois.

Alan Ray Paxton was on born on October 11, 1956, in Carbondale, Illinois, to Doyle E. Paxton and Mary L. Hurt Paxton.

Alan attended grade school in Olney and Park Forest, Illinois.  He graduated from Rich East High School in 1974, where he was active in football and track.  Alan received an Associate in Arts degree from Prairie State University (1976) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child, Family, and Community Services from University of Illinois – Springfield in 1997.

Alan worked at Bunn-O-Matic in Springfield and a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Springfield

Alan was an avid music lover who developed considerable skill in guitar. He was also a student of the construction and assembly of fine musical instruments, for which he had much appreciation.  Alan most actively shared his love of music with his nieces, whom he commonly equipped with the finest guitars possible!

He was preceded in death by his father.

Alan is survived by his mother of Springfield; three brothers, Stan of Golden, Colorado; Paul, of Fallbrook, California; and Dave of Mount Vernon, Ohio; six nieces, Sarah, Brenna, Kyle, Natalie, Leah, Julia, and Anna Paxton; and five great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home with Reverend Malcom Shotwell officiating.  Burial will follow at Woodwreath Cemetery, 16284 Old Jacksonville Road, New Berlin, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 2941 South Koke Mill Road, Springfield, IL 62711 or to a charity of your choice.