Walter Wayne Saxton, age 99, of Alexandria, SD passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 31, 2017 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Monday, June 5, 2017 at the Alexandria United Methodist Church with Reverend Hank Kor officiating. Burial with military rites  will be at Greenhill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunday, June 4, 2017 at the Alexandria United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel.

Wayne Saxton, son of Stephen and Clara (Sorenson) Saxton was born on May 27, 1918 in rural Hanson County.   As the oldest of seven children he helped his father, Stephen, on the farm until he enlisted in the military in March of 1942 at the age of 23.  He worked his way to staff sergeant in General George Patton's Third U.S. Army during WWII as a sniper squadron leader.   On Christmas Eve, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, Wayne was wounded from a shell explosion.  Wayne was honorably discharged in 1945 and later earned a Purple Heart for his bravery.

In October of 1947, Wayne was united in marriage to Doris Mae Anderson of Harding County.  Together they had five children and made their home in rural Alexandria.

Wayne served his community in many capacities.  He was a member of the Green Hill Cemetery board, the Alexandria volunteer fire department and a life-time member of the American Legion.  He enjoyed many activities including bowling, fishing, hunting, reading and watching Wheel of Fortune along with spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  His hobbies included wood-working and carpentry.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his children:  Bruce (Sandra) Saxton, San Martin, CA; Betty (Glen) Nordhausen, Fairmont, MN; Barbara (Bob) Duffey, Fairmont, MN; Barry Saxton, Lafayette, CO; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren and two nieces, Janell Beckman and Karen Bumann.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris (2001), his daughter, Beth (2015), his granddaughter, Stephanie, brothers Sherman, Orville, Nels and Leo, sisters Verda and Ferne, two brothers-in-law,  one sister-in-law and his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the United Methodist Church of Alexandria or Greenhill Cemetery.