Robert John ‘Bob’ Paxton

May 5, 1953 – Feb. 12, 2025

Robert John “Bob” Paxton, 71, passed away at Cody Regional Health Spirit Mountain Hospice House on February 12, 2025. 

He was born to Wayne and Rhea Paxton of Manderson on May 5, 1953, in Basin.

After graduating from Manderson-Hyattville High School and attending Northwest College, he got the traveling bug. After purchasing his first Peterbilt truck, he hit the road trucking throughout the western states and Canada. Staying connected with his old friends and making new ones, his visiting time multiplied.

In 1982 on October 15 (no hunting license that year) he married the love of his life, Bobbi Brunk of Ten Sleep. They settled down on a small place south of Basin and started their family of two sons, Zach and Brenton. He was so proud of both sons and enjoyed watching them in all their sports, FFA, 4-H and growing into young men, all the time instilling in them the ability to work hard and show respect toward others. (I believe the community would also say the ability to talk rubbed off on them, as well.)

One would say his true passion was farming, thus purchasing two additional places on Orchard Bench to expand his operation. Here he was able to share his life with his seven grandkids. Yet, others would say his true passion was his ability to talk. He never knew a stranger or one he could not strike up a conversation. He was always willing to give a helping hand if one was needed. His father-in-law commented once,”Bob, you know everyone.”

He worked most of his life at the Big Horn County Road and Bridge as a grader operator, traveling the roads with his trusty cell phone and sparking up conversations with old friends and neighbors. Later he moved on to work for TCT West and Yellowstone Bean Company before finally retiring.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Paxton, mother Rhea Paxton, sister-in-law Cherie and nephew Cory Gopp. 

He is survived by his wife, Bobbi Paxton of Basin; sons Zach (Christina) Paxton of Sheridan and Brenton (Justine) Paxton of Basin; seven wonderful grandchildren, Hayden, Brooklynn, Carston and Hudson Paxton of Basin and Hailey, Tucker and Hunter Paxton of Sheridan.

Funeral services will be held February 21 at 11 a.m. at the Basin Baptist Church. A luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation at Big Horn Federal or Security State Bank for Bob Paxton Ag Memorial Scholarship.

Memories and condolences may be shared on Bob’s memorial page at www.BallardFH.com.