Lon Taylor Traxler, 69, Army veteran who will be dearly missed.
Lon Taylor Traxler, 69, originally from Lorain Ohio, but over the past 30 years has lived at the Loudonville VA Group and Rest Homes in Loudonville Ohio, and most recently at Highland Oaks Health Center in McConnelsville Ohio where he passed away on July 9th, 2015 from cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents Vern and Marion Traxler, and is survived by his brothers Vern “Skip” (Pamela) Traxler of Cambridge Ohio, Timothy (Catherine) Traxler of Millfield Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lon was a graduate of Lorain High School where he became the captain of both the varsity wrestling and football teams; at Ohio University he was on the varsity wrestling team; with a degree in education, he became a K-12 teacher and a football and a wrestling coach in the Granville Ohio school system, and he courageously served as a U.S. Army Sargent in Germany and in Viet Nam.
Lon, at a young age, was overcome by mental illness of which he bravely struggled against for over 40 years. He did not volunteer to be brave—mental illness is not a choice. Through those many physically difficult and mentally tortured years Lon remained a person of thoughtful kindness, generous understanding, and forgiveness. With his positive, friendly attitude he was always thinking of others—always. Although life was difficult for him, his worldly experience and knowledge, keen memory and sense of humor were always present and came through to surprise and entertain his many professional and loving care givers and those who came to visit.
In spite of the slow and persistent onset and progression of his illness Lon experienced and accomplished many wonderful things in the service of others. Making the most of what his life had to offer he never stopped wanting to be included, to be normal and healthy. As his physical presence continued to decline, making life even more challenging for him, this soft-spoken gentleman who never complained, recently said, “I am very tired of being mentally ill”. These were hard words for Lon to say.
Lon never forgot his family and friends and he was always interested and eager to learn of their life changes, challenges and accomplishments. He loved everyone; and he will be missed by all of those who knew him; most especially by his two brothers. He was a true hero, and he helped us to understand far more about the meaning of that word. May he now rest in peace!
There will be a graveside ceremony / a gathering of family and friends held at 12:00 Noon on July 27, 2015 at the Ridge Hill Cemetery, 44805 North Ridge Road, Amherst, Ohio 44001 to celebrate Lon’s remarkable life—all are welcome to attend. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, Phone: 440-244-5288, www.boyercool.com
Do not send flowers. In Lon’s memory it is hoped that thoughtful gifts of money are given in his name to The Nord Center, 6140 S. Broadway, Lorain Ohio 44053; www.nordcenter.org; phone: 440-233-7232. The Nord Center is a not-for-profit private organization serving the mental health needs of the community—a place where Lon received professional help when he most needed it.