Michael Malone Saxon, age 77, passed away on January 10, 2024 in Karnes City, Texas. He was born on May 17, 1946 in Orange, Texas. He was adopted as an infant. He is preceded in death by his birth mother Nora Warren, his adoptive parents Gene and Jean Saxon, grandson Gabriel DeLeon and brother-in-law Steve Schulz. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Stella Saxon; daughters Cassie DeLeon (Mark) and Susanna Saxon; sisters Shirley Britton and Beverly Lynch; grandchildren Kristi DeLeon-Pennell (Frank), Nikki Brooks (Ryan), Kaylin Koliba, Kortney Koliba, Liam Koliba, Samuel DeLeon, Joshua DeLeon, Max Koliba, Isaiah DeLeon and Jerry Koliba; great grandchildren Hunter, Hayden, Howie, Jackie, Ava, Joey, Allie, and Josiah; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
He was raised in Orange, Texas as an only child, was an elite athlete in high school, recognized by Texas Football Magazine and was featured in his football uniform #83 on Orange’s welcome billboard as you drove into the city. He played college ball at Stephen F. Austin and Texas A&M under Gene Stallings. A neck injury and no girls at A&M convinced him to go to Texas where he met a skinny girl he vowed to marry. He married Stella Hartman at First Presbyterian Church on June 21, 1969.
He graduated from UT and accepted coaching positions in Pearland and Edna. He supported Stella while she attended and completed law school.
Since coaching did not pay enough to support the family he went to work for Brown & Root as a safety man. The family moved to Orange, where Mike and his dad started a fertilizer manufacturing company where he introduced the 40 lb bag which is now the industry standard for retail fertilizer.
In l980 the family relocated to Karnes City where Stella worked as Assistant DA and he worked for Chevron as an ore checker, for Helmuth Scheunemann as a land man and became an independent land man during the 80s oil boom. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder.
His love of coaching and working with young people drew him back into education. He coached the Runge Yellowjacket state semifinalist team. He coached the Kenedy Lions football and baseball. He set up the first in school suspension programs in the area. He called the programs in Karnes City and Kenedy “the Motivation Center.” In addition to being Coach, he became known as Mr. Moto. In Kenedy, he headed up the drug free school program and Kenedy High School achieved national recognition and a trip to the White House where George H.W. Bush cited Kenedy’s program as an example for the nation. He coached the Badger district champ baseball team and was a strength and conditioning coach for the University of Houston. He served as an administrator in Karnes City High School and Jr. High. He served on the President’s Advisory Council for the University of Houston Victoria and was Karnes County’s Democratic Party Chair. He was a proud supporter of the University of Texas and Longhorn Football.
When he decided to retire, he outfitted his garage into a complete wood shop. After retirement he founded Saxon Woodworks and created beautiful carved furniture masterpieces from mesquite wood which he milled himself.
Retirement brought full time responsibilities. In addition to making furniture, cooking for the family. (He could make the best Cajun Seafood Gumbo ever) and providing before and after school care for grandkids, he became caregiver for his mother and his father-in-law Pete Hartman.
After retirement Mike found his birth mother in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He met her and siblings he did not know he had. He was a loving son and big brother to two sisters. His pets were an important part of his life, and many a stray found a home at Saxon Arms. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy of his life. Loving, teaching and encouraging them was his highest priority.
Through the years he mentored many young people, facilitating visits for young athletes to college football programs at the University of Houston and A&M. He provided work in his shop for those who needed work. He assisted and encouraged many to pursue education beyond high school and to be life learners. He is always available to listen, advise and help.
He was Karnes City’s Santa Claus which among other things resulted in him being awarded 2016 KC Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year. His twinkling eyes, kind voice and outstretched hands assured children, young and old, that Santa is indeed real. This kind, generous man spread good will to all throughout his life.
Visitation on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Karnes City, Texas. Celebration of Life Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2024 also at the church.
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