Cyril J Laxton
June 4, 2023
Cyril J. Laxton, 82, of Gainesville, Florida passed away Sunday, June 4, 2023 surrounded by his family. Known to everyone as Cy, he was born in Upland, Pennsylvania to the late Robert J. Laxton, III and Rita M. Laxton.
He graduated in 1958 from St. James High School in Chester, Pennsylvania and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served on the USS Essex. He also served in the Navy Reserve.
Cy met his wife of 58 years, Shirley M. Laxton, while working at Pepperidge Farm bakery in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He moved to Gainesville, Florida in 1976 to be a Pepperidge Farm distributor. Cy later worked for Piedmont Airlines, US Airways and American Airlines at the Gainesville Airport.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children Timothy (Leslie) Moore, Michelle Himert, and Kim (Rick) Gorman; grandchildren, Andrew (Laura) Moore, Amanda (Stephen) Baskott, and Madison Gorman; great-grandchildren, Abbigail and James Moore; brother, George (Sandi) Laxton; and sister, Jerri Ann Kuehne; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Robert Laxton, IV; and granddaughter, Samantha Gorman.
Cy was a member of the Gainesville Bassmasters, Gainesville Jaycees, the Alachua County Fair Association, and the Gainesville Elks Lodge #990. Cy also served as a Master Mason of the Ocala Scottish Rite Masonic Center and Gainesville Lodge No. 41.
Cy was an avid Florida Gator Football fan, faithfully attending home games and away games since 1980. He enjoyed travel, cruises, music, Philadelphia Eagles Football, golf and fishing.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. We encourage friends to share their memories on the Crevasse's Simple Cremation memorial page.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Laxton Family.
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On behalf of the St. James High School Alumni Association and his fellow classmates, I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers on your loss. On April 21, 2024, the Alumni Association will remember Cyril at their annual Memorial Mass at St. Madeline's Church in Ridley Park, PA. May he rest in peace!
Cy was a wonderful big brother, even so many miles separated us I knew he was always there. He was bigger than life in all he did, Husband, Father , Poppy & Great grandfather& Brother & friend, his love & loyalty was felt by all. I miss him desperately but know he's still looking after me .
I can’t begin to say how honored I was upon seeing the St. James Alumni Association will remember Dad at your next gathering.  Dad shared many stories, being the football hero, the baseball ace, the one who wore the same tie (kept in his locker) all throughout his high school years, and those nuns and brothers he drove nuts.  His entire family misses him tremendously, especially the love of his life Shirley (not the same girl we saw in all of his prom pictures!). He adored Mom, married for 58 years, April 24, 1965.  They gave us kids a wonderful role model on a great marriage, unfortunately, I was the one who failed the marriage test. Â
Thank you again for keeping my wonderful Dad in your prayers!
The collage I chose to share is the many wonderful faces of Dad.  I’ve never laughed so hard after he did something crazy, or gave one of his classic off the cuff remarks; nor have I ever cried and wept so deeply as when he passed, and I’m still doing the latter.  I love you so much, the best Dad a girl with many flaws could have ever asked for.  He put my broken heart together so many times, unfortunately, this last heartbreak is going to be permanent.  I miss you so much, and will continue to miss you until we meet again.  Thank you for letting me be your daughter!
Prayers and comfort to the family in this time of loss
Cy & family were always a favorite to visit with, so much laughter!
So sorry to hear of Cys passing. Some good times out at Cowpen Lake with him and his family.
Thanks Cy it was a hoot big guy
Cy always had a story mostly filled with laughter. Just one of those rare folks you love because of how he treated you. Many good memories indeed. A loving family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Aunt Shirley and family.
I am so so sorry to hear about uncle Cy I just found out. I have good memories of us always going to your house growing up. I also remember going to Pepperidge Farms and getting cookies.
You and uncle Cy made a marriage look so easy, I wanted to have a marriage like the two of you had.
Please know I am thinking about you and sending prayers to you, Michelle, Kim, Tim and rest of the family.