Richard L. "Dick" Paxton, age 87 of Valparaiso passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2015. He was born on August 26, 1928 in Hollywood, California to the late Lawrence and Ann Paxton. Dick's family settled in Puyallup, Washington, where he graduated from Puyallup High School in 1946. It was during this time that he first developed his love of big band music, which would last up until his final days. Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation and promptly joined the U.S. Army band. He served in the Pacific theater and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan. Upon discharge, he enrolled at Ohio Wesleyan University where he graduated with a BA in Music Education. Dick began his career with the Conn Musical Instrument Company, in Elkhart, IN. Dick met and married Dorothy (nee Zajac) and started a family, settling in Hobart where they raised their children. Some years later Dick established Paxton Music Company in Valparaiso, and over two decades built a thriving retail musical instrument store, serving school music programs throughout Northwest Indiana. In the early 80's Dick moved to Valparaiso and married Kay (nee Manatrey). Dick enjoyed traveling to Big Sky Montana where he enjoyed fly fishing and spent many summers of his retirement years in some of the best fishing streams in the country. His love of music continued in retirement as he played in two big bands and the St. Petersburg, FL Community Orchestra well into his late 70's.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Jean Paxton of Deerfield, IL; two sons, Sidney Paxton of Hobart and Samuel (Jeanne) Paxton of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Sam (Jessica) Kadar of Chesterton, Jamie (Jon) Skaggs of Chicago, Emma Paxton of Cincinnati, Maggie Paxton of New York City, David Eisenberg of Deerfield, IL, Molly Eisenberg of Chicago; great grandchildren, Lucas and Lilly Kadar.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents and his wives, Dorothy and Kay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association 50 E 91st ST STE 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830.

Memorial visitation will be on Sunday December 27, 2015 at 4:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. A memorial service will be held at 6:30. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com