Ronald E. “Chief” Saxton

Ron was a man whose life was defined by his unwavering devotion to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a wide circle of family and friends. His kindness, laughter, and steady presence touched all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on in the countless memories we cherish and in the love he so freely gave.

He was born on Dec. 18, 1945 and was a graduate of Chautauqua Central School.Ron was a US Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968 and earning four Bronze Stars. He was honored to have participated in Jamestown’s Honor Flight 78 from Rochester to Washington in June of 2023 accompanied by his grandson, Matt Welch.

An area bus driver for all his career, he began as a driver at the Jamestown Area Regional Transit System for many years. He then served as transportation supervisor for Jamestown Public Schools from 1993 to 2003, as a driver for Bemus Point Central School from 2004 until his retirement in 2013, and then as a substitute for Bemus Point, Panama, Jamestown and Southwestern for several years.

Ron was a life member of the Ashville Fire Dept., having received his 50-year membership recognition in 2025, 22 of those years as chief or assistant chief. He was a member of the Chautauqua County Simulation Team, Chautauqua County Search & Rescue Team, and taught CPR for the American Red Cross for over 20 years. His memberships include life member of the VFW, Herman Kent American Legion, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, and the LLAMA Club.

Surviving is a son, James (Peggy) Saxton of Ashville, and daughter, Sheila (Michael) Saxton ofNorth Carolina; five grandchildren: Matthew (Haley) Welch, Brionna Swanson, Kyle (Chelsea)Saxton, Skylar Saxton, and Cameron Saxton; five great-grandchildren: Owen, Kinsley, Tessa and Callie Welch, and Oakley Rose Saxton, with a 6th expected this fall, Oliver Eugene Saxton.

Also surviving are his twin sister, Ronda Hatfield; three brothers, Michael, Frank and Mark Stow; and two cousins, Elaine Draves of Oklahoma and Bonnie Singley of Arizona.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Laurence Saxton; mother, Grace Saxton Stow; adoptive mother, Mary Carr Saxton; four siblings, John Stow, Margaret Ryan, Charlotte Grover andMatthew Stow; and a cousin, Jim Smith.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home and from 10 to 11a.m. on Friday at the Ashville Fire Hall.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Ashville Fire Hall, 5338 Stow Rd., Ashville. To honor Ron, please consider wearing red, white and blue, Ron’s favorite colors.There will be a celebration of life immediately following the cemetery service on Friday at the Post 1286 Lakewood American Legion where all are welcomed.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Ashville Volunteer Fire Department.Memories and condolences may be shared at www.lindfuneralhome.com.