William C. Axford Jr.'s Obituary
William C. Axford Jr., age 91, of LaGrange, passed away on March 4, 2018 at the Hospice of Medina County after a brief illness.
He was born on June 15, 1926 in Cleveland and has been a resident of LaGrange for the past 50 years, moving from Eaton Township and Wellington. William was a member of LaGrange United Methodist Church. He worked as a Welder for CA Olson for 35 years, retiring in 1981, owned and operated with his wife Beatrice, the This 'N That Shop in Wellington and LaGrange and was a professional auctioneer for 50 years. He was very involved with the communities he lived in, acting as President of the Eaton and Brush School PTA's, President of the Lorain County Horse Association, 4-H Assistant to the Advisor, President of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and was a LaGrange Village Councilman. He was a member of the LaGrange Steam Engine Club, the Pittsfield Progressive Workers, the Wellington Red Riders and past president of the LaGrange Lions club, remaining involved with the Lions for the past 51 years.
In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, working with Hit & Miss Motors and Ford 8N Tractors, and in his youth, bought and sold horses. His love of horses remained throughout his life, which he shared with his children, fostering their interest in working with horses and other animals in the 4-H Club. The summer months would find the family traveling to local fairs to run their "Pony Whirl", allowing children to experience a live pony Merry Go Round.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Linda (Jim) McClelland of LaGrange, Sherill (Gene) Shiplett of Sagamore Hills, William C. Axford III of LaGrange, and Timothy Joe Axford of LaGrange; nine grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; brother Melvin “Bud” Axford; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Beatrice; infant son Kenneth William; parents William C. and Helen Marie (nee Badger) Axford; brother Charles George Axford.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. in the Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 8, 2018. Committal services and burial will follow at River Road Cemetery, LaGrange Township.
Memorials are suggested to the LaGrange Lions Club, the LaGrange Steam Engine Club or Hospice of Medina County.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?