Benjamin Paul Saxton, Jr.

The world lost a great warrior and respected soldier, Benjamin Paul Saxton Jr., born to Ben Saxton and Rose Elizabeth Girardi in Cambridge, MA on May 3, 1932. Ben passed away on January 15, 2024, at 91 years old. 

Ben, a graduate of West Point, Class of 1956, and Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army, lived his retirement years in Grove, Oklahoma with wife Connie and daughter Diane.

Ben served 21 years for the United States Army in Tactical Strategic Intelligence with a Counterintelligence HUMIT Specialty.  

Ben served our country during the Cold War, Vietnam and Korean Wars and was awarded several decorations including Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal for Korea, the Army Commendation Medal, and Army Meritorious Service award, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a Bronze Star Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, an Army Parachute Badge, a Legion of Merit, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. Our America would not be what it is today without Ben. After military retirement Ben pursued a career at Wackenhut Corporation where he worked as an Investigative and Security Regional Manager until he retired.

 Ben and Connie, married for 25 years, lived in true love and joy for each other and adored their sweet, furry companion Buddy., Ben was a lover of guns, artillery, ammunition, world history, military formation and organization, antique military weaponry, and a bird lover. Ben enjoyed reading newspapers or magazines, completing crossword puzzles, and living a simple life on Grand Lake. He enjoyed any distilled or hoppy beverages and starting the day with a nice cup of black coffee.  He also took pleasure in obtaining unique treasures from his deployments overseas and took great care of his possessions. Ben lived a respectful and honorable life.

Ben is survived by his son Michael and wife Carol, daughters Diane and Dana, 17 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Ben is preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry, daughter Suzanne, previous wife and mother of his children, Ingeborg and wife Connie. 

Graveside service will be held in his honor at Ft. Sill National Cemetery at 11:00 am, February, 23, 2024. 

Benjamin Paul Saxton Jr., a distinguished, honorable, and noble soldier of the United States Army, may you rest in peace.