Horace E. "Mick" Saxton, age 78 of Millville, NJ passed away suddenly on May 15, 2018. He was the devoted husband of Elizabeth "Betty" (Stiles) Saxton for 58 years, and much- loved father of three daughters, Lisa Tucker, Kathryn Saxton-Granato and Karen Saxton.

Born in Millville February 2, 1940 to Humphrey Saxton and Viola (Hughes) Saxton, "Mick" was the youngest of ten children in a family that struggled and separated in the Depression and post-Depression times. He was a Bleachery Supervisor at the Millville Manufacturing Company, where his father previously held a position as Union Delegate to the United Textile Workers of America Convention in 1921. Mick worked there for 17 years until that company, owned by the Wood Family, locked the gates. An additional 14 years were dedicated to the West Company, where he became a Union Shop Steward for Glass Bottle Blowers Association Local 68 and he finally retired as Statistical Process Control Coordinator for Comar, Inc. of Buena after 17 years. His daughter Kathryn continues the family's union tradition as a branch secretary for Local 1040.

Mick was an avid outdoors man, who served as a NJ Deputy Game Warden and enjoyed camping with the Boy Scouts, with Explorer Post 5 and he ultimately became an Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He nurtured a love of nature in his daughters and grandchildren, teaching them to camp, fish, canoe and birdwatch through quality family outings and quiet times. Camping trips with family and friends and vacations, especially cruises with Betty and the company of longtime friends Sam and Judy Randazzo formed precious memories for him.

Education was important to him as well and he earned his GED while his daughters were small, supporting his wife Betty's successful quest for a Bachelor's degree and ultimately earning two Associate's degrees himself from Cumberland County College. Both Mick and Betty supported and encouraged their daughters' and grandchildren's educational pursuits and achievements.

He previously sang in the choir of Trinity United Methodist Church and played guitar with some local musicians. Mick freely shared his carpentry skills, participating in projects with youth from Ranch Hope, and supporting projects for the benefit of Trinity United Methodist Church, Rebuilding Together and Habitat for Humanity.

Upon learning that he had a rare blood type with unique factors, he became a consistent blood donor for decades and was sometimes called upon to donate by hospitals out of state. He found it personally rewarding to know that he could give a gift of life, particularly to infants and young children.

In addition to his wife Betty and daughters Lisa, Kathi and son-in-law Russell, and Karen, Mick is survived by two granddaughters Caitlyn/Mark (Granato) Peters and Kyla Tucker and grandson Drew Granato. He was also embraced and loved by his wife's brothers and their wives, Gary and Nancy Stiles and Jerry and Sherry Stiles of Millville and is survived by several nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Mick.

Services will be private with a memorial to celebrate his life planned for the future. He recently spent time learning about his ancestors and if anyone has a photo of his father Humphrey Saxton, it would fill a hole in his family tree. The family welcomes words of support and condolences and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory could be made to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital for young cancer patients.