D William Saxon

  Born in Ringold Community of Scott County, MS, D Saxon passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 3, 2023 in Gulfport. He was preceded in death by his parents D Woods Saxon and Trudie Gill Saxon; his sister, Evelyn S. Walters; a grandson, Ian Telemeco; daughter, Scharlotte Saxon; his son, Kenneth Saxon; and his beloved wife of 70 years, Rubye Smith Saxon.  
D Saxon lived a full and joyous life, marrying Rubye in Pascagoula, MS on his birthday in 1946. He soon joined the U.S. Air Force and served 27 years, attaining the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant.  Saxon served tours in France, Formosa, South Dakota, Okinawa, Keesler AFB, Viet Nam, and concluded his career with the Tactical Air Command in Langley, VA. He was awarded the Joint Services Commendation Medal for his service during his Vietnam tour, and the Meritorious Service Medal for his contributions to the Tactical Air Command.   After retirement in 1975 the Saxons returned to Gulfport.  D remained retired a few short years before becoming Chief of Maintenance for Biloxi School System for 7 years. At retirement, Biloxi Schools honored D with the Biloxi Educator’s Award. 
D loved his Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church of Gulfport for over 40 years. He was a member of the Scrap Iron Sunday School class, an ordained deacon, and member of the Gulf Coast Baptist Builders. With the GCB Builders he joined his many friends in church construction in Mississippi, Indiana, Alaska, Michigan, Scotland, Guatemala, and Argentina. He also loved to cook for large groups at the church and at the Masonic Lodge. A 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, he was past lodge master and Master Mason at the Polar Star Lodge, Handsboro, MS. He was honored by the lodge for 50 years of service.  Mr. Saxon’s other hobbies included Nascar and golf. 
Mr. Saxon is survived by daughters, Stephanie (Allen) Purvis of Gulfport and Deborah (Tony) Telemeco of Edmond, OK, and Peggy Saxon (widow of Kenneth) of Long Beach, MS, He is also survived by five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and a large extended family. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all. The family extends grateful appreciation for the excellent care of and love shown to D by the staff in the Assisted Living and Memory Care units of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. D said “Y’all keep it between the ditches!”
Friends are invited to join the family for visitation and services on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at First Baptist Church, 12190 Highway 605, Gulfport, MS. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service at 2:00 p.m.  Following services, military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Air Force.
The Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 9, 2023, at Ephesus Baptist Church Cemetery, 3535 Ephesus Road, Forest, MS.
Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. The online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com