John Saxton embarked on a journey of academic excellence and community service from his formative years. Graduating in the top 10 of his class in 1964 from Auglaize Brown High School, he exemplified dedication and versatility, participating in a myriad of activities including basketball, baseball, FFA, Science Club, Scholarship Team, Band, Pep Band, Show Band, Mixed Chorus, and Double Octet. His musical prowess was recognized with the prestigious Arion National Award for outstanding musical achievement.
Following high school, John pursued higher education at Lincoln Chiropractic College in Indianapolis Indiana, now a part of National University, Chicago Illinois. After five years of rigorous study and internship, he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. After successfully sitting for the National Board and Ohio State Board examinations, he returned to his roots in Oakwood and Paulding to establish a private chiropractic practice, dedicating himself to the well-being of his community for an impressive 46 years.
Beyond his professional endeavors, community service is important to John! He coached girls’ softball and boys’ Pony League baseball teams, chaired the Oakwood Alumni Association and Homecoming Committee, and lent his harmonious voice to the Northwesternairs Barbershop Chorus. He also served as Pack 19 Cubmaster and Troop 19 Assistant Scoutmaster, fostering leadership and camaraderie among local youth. While Assistant Scoutmaster, he and Scoutmaster Evan Thomas took Troop 19 on an international trip to Point Pele National Park in Canada and a trip to Patriots Point South Carolina for a stay on the USS Yorktown.
John’s leadership extended to various boards and associations, locally and statewide. He chaired esteemed organizations such as the Marshall Memorial Board, Paulding Area Foundation Board, and for 17 years Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative Board of Directors. John also served on the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses and State Bank Advisory Boards. His statewide contributions included serving as Vice President of The Chiropractic Association of Ohio and holding key positions in Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives organization, including Chairman and Ohio’s Voting Delegate to the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association. NRECA bestowed Director Gold status to Dr. Saxton. John served as Chairman of Ohio’s Association for Continued Rural Electrification.
Despite his vast professional and civic engagements, John’s greatest source of pride remains his family. Dr. Saxton and his wife Karen continue to live in and are active members of the Paulding Exempted Village School District. His late wife Janet Saxton was a valued teacher in the system. With five children and fifteen grandchildren, he cherishes the unwavering love and support of his entire family. Today, John continues to serve his community diligently, lending his expertise to various boards and organizations while representing Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives on a national stage, serving as Chairman of the Organization and representative to the Legislative Conference in Washington DC. John hopes his legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire generations in Oakwood and Paulding.
Dr. Saxton was a 1964 graduate of the Auglaize Brown High School (which was in the Paulding School district at that time).
The induction will be held during the PHS graduation ceremony on May 19, 2024, beginning at 2:30 p.m.
