Charles Wayne Axtell

Charles Wayne Axtell, 89, of Lexington, Nebraska, formerly a long-time resident of Callaway, died Monday, October 25, 2010, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington. He was born January 8, 1921, in Long Beach, California, to Wayne E. and Laura Belle (Sellers) Axtell. Charles attended school through the 1st grade at Bellflower, California, and then the family moved to Nebraska, first to Ingham, Nebraska, and then to Eustis, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school in 1938. He attended the University of Nebraska and Barnes Business College in Denver, Colorado. On July 6, 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a Yeoman 3rd class aboard the U.S.S. Pecos during the war. He attended Signal School in Indianapolis and boarded the Pecos in Norfolk, Virginia. From Norfolk, his ship traveled through the Panama Canal to the Philippines. The Pecos fueled many ships in the Pacific, including those of the major fleets. He worked in the log room for the chief engineer. His duty was to type up fuel reports identifying the gallons of fuel dispensed, and send them to Washington D.C. He had several stories he liked to tell, some involving close calls with torpedoes and bombs dropped. Charles was honorably discharged on February 11, 1946. While living at home in Eustis, prior to and after serving in the navy, Charles worked for his father and uncle at the LaRue-Axtell Pumice Company. A branch of the company was started in Callaway, Nebraska, and he began working there, and eventually handled the operation of the Callaway branch. Charles was united in marriage to Ruby Hueftle on March 8, 1953, in Eustis, Nebraska. The couple made their home in the Callaway area. Three children were blessed to this union: Kurt, Steven and Karen. In 1974, Charles began working at Monroe Auto Equipment Company in Cozad, Nebraska. He retired in 1984. Charles was a member of the Methodist Church for over 75 years. After moving to Callaway, Charles and Ruby became active members of the Eastern Star, Clara Chapter. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge at Elwood, Nebraska, a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J. USA, Hastings, Nebraska, and a member of the American Legion in Callaway. Charles always enjoyed traveling, making trips with his family and his sister and brother-in-law. He was very devoted to his family. He, along with Ruby, followed the kids to their school activities across the state. As his children got older and spread out, so did his travels. Survivors include his loving wife: Ruby Axtell of Lexington, Nebraska Two sons: Kurt Axtell of Kearney, Nebraska Steven Axtell of Ft. Calhoun, Nebraska One daughter: Karen (Brian) Plomondon of Erie, Colorado Five grandchildren: Jeff Axtell of Wayne, Nebraska; Ashley Axtell of Gainesville, Florida; Renee, Daniell & Dylan Plomondon, all of Erie, Colorado Charles was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Jeannette Weissert and brother-in-law Herman. Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 28, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Callaway United Methodist Church in Callaway with Reverend Roger Gillming officiating. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. that same afternoon at the Cambridge Cemetery with Military Honors at Cambridge, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 27, 2010, from 5-7 p.m. at Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Callaway. Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is in charge of arrangements. Please direct online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.