Wilbert John Buxton

Wilbert John Buxton, 85, of Wakefield, RI, died unexpectedly Wednesday, December 2, 2009. He was the devoted husband of the late Eleanor Adamson Buxton and is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Heather and Lenny Stein of Chapel Hill, NC; Gail Buxton and Tom Loomis of Austin, TX; and Jane Buxton and Allan Eng of Wakefield, RI. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Joel Stein and his fiancée Erica Sood; Allison Stein Chen and her husband Gerald; Kathryn Stein and Jillian Stein; Amy and Tommy Gellatly and their father David; and Eleanor, Christopher and Lena Eng. John was born in Bison, Kansas, the son of Sarah Stang and Walter Jacob Buxton. His early years were shaped by life in rural Kansas during the Depression. He enlisted in the Navy at age 18, and served as a pilot in the Naval Air Corps from 1943 to 1945. After his discharge, John completed his studies at Kansas State University, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1948. He was industrious and entrepreneurial, adventurous and innovative. During his career, he worked for many years as a petroleum engineer appraising and analyzing oil and gas companies. John and Eleanor raised their children in Old Greenwich, Connecticut and they lived in many places during their 48-year marriage. John enjoyed traveling, reading mysteries, watching college football, playing golf, skiing, and sailing on Long Island Sound. He especially enjoyed singing around the piano with his family. He delighted his grandchildren with his fanciful tales of the Wild West and with spirited games of cards and dominoes. John was strong and kind and generous, full of fun and humor. He was always a loyal and supportive family man, not only to his children and grandchildren, but to relatives and friends across the country. John Buxton was dearly loved, will be deeply missed, and his gentle, guiding spirit will live on in all of our lives. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at the North Beach Clubhouse, 79 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save the Children or Heifer International, or a charity of your choice.