Dennis Driscoll Claxton

HAMILTON - Dennis Driscoll "Bud" Claxton, 86, of Hamilton, died Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, 2013, after a brief illness. Dennis was born in his Westside family home on March 20, 1927 in Butte, Montana, to proud parents, John Keene and Margaret (Driscoll) Claxton. Hailing from County Corke Ireland, the Driscolls owned and operated the corner Mercantile in Walkerville, and were the second oldest founding family of Butte. At the tutelage of his mother's hand, Dennis learned the social graces and manners that carried him throughout his life.

Educated in Butte during his younger years, Dennis was part of the McKinley group of fourteen that roamed the Westside and enjoyed boyhood antics. With Bud's passing, the lone surviving member is Bud's lifelong friend and cohort, Joe Jennings.

As the fates aligned, Dennis lost his mother when he was a mere twelve years of age, and subsequently entered Kemper Military Academy in Kansas. Upon graduation, he briefly returned to Butte before entering the Navy in 1945. After his honorable discharge, Dennis attended the University of Montana. It was during this time that he met a talented young nurse named Carolyn Hegre, whom he later married on his 21st birthday, March 20, 1948. Together they raised six children: Denise, Michael, David, Carole Sue, Joseph and Anne.

In 1955, Mr. Claxton graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science, and thus followed a 20 year career that spanned numerous mortuaries in Butte and Great Falls. He was also employed by the ACM Company in Butte before moving to Hamilton in 1972, when he and Carole purchased the Main Street Market. Four years later, Dennis and his wife built the Main Street Wash-O-Mat Laundromat, which they ran until selling the business to their son Joe and daughter-in-law, Cathy in 1988. That same year, Dennis retired to a life of golf and gab with his buddies, hitting a notorious "hole in one" at Horseshoe Mountain Golf Club in Wyoming in 1997.

Dennis Claxton was a member of the Hamilton Golf Club, the Knights of Columbus, The Exchange Club of America, and Saint Francis Parish. Mr. Claxton served on the Hamilton Police Commission for three years, and was on the Diocesan Pastoral Council and St. Francis Parish Council as well as being a church lector for forty years. More importantly, Dennis was a father figure to many, especially daughters-in-law, Sheila and Cathy. For all of us, he emulated the importance of being kind, paying attention to tasks at hand, honoring family, and doing things "right" the first time.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, John and Bob, and his son Michael. He is also the last remaining member of his generation on the Driscoll side of the family.

Mr. Claxton is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carole. His surviving children are Denise (Marty) Struznik of Butte, Dave (Laurie) Claxton of Billings, Carole (Kirk) Petty of Sheridan, Wyoming, Joe (Cathy) Claxton of Hamilton and Annie (Peter) Zora of Hamilton and Denver. Dennis and Carole were very proud to be grandparents to 16 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren; Mark Struznik, Stacie Stall, Eric Claxton, Christopher Claxton, Shawn Claxton, Kim Ferguson, Kevin Claxton, Mark Claxton, Brian Petty, Matthew Petty, Michelle Petty, Tyler Claxton, Jonathan Claxton, Amelia Claxton, Sarah Zora, and Amy Zora. Dennis' great grandchildren are; Emelia Rodriguez, Jake Struznik, Libby Struznik, Nicholas Stall, Blake Stall, Kieran Claxton, Brooklyn Ferguson, Annika Ferguson, Aiden Claxton, Owen Petty, Quin Petty, Silvia Petty and Wesley Petty.

The family suggests that memorials be made in Dennis' name to Marcus Daly Hospice, 1200 Westwood Dr., Hamilton, MT 59840 or to Watson's Children's Home, 4978 Buckhouse Ln, Missoula, Mt 59804 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

"We've been loved by the best... Safe Harbor as you continue your journey, Dad.