Charles Golden Paxton

1953 ~ 2023

Charles Golden Paxton was born to Melvin C. and Marjorie Curtis Paxton in Salt Lake City, UT on July 7, 1953, the second of five children. He soon moved with his family to St. Louis, MO, where his father attended graduate school. After graduation, the family settled in Monte Sereno, CA where Chuck grew up and graduated from Los Gatos High School in 1971.

Chuck attended his freshman year at Brigham Young University, and in 1972 was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which was a highlight in his life. Following his mission, he again attended Brigham Young University and then embarked on a successful career in finance working for several Wall Street firms over the ensuing years.

He married Patricia Riley in 1977, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and they raised their five children in California and Washington. Chuck and Trish later divorced.

After moving back to Utah, Chuck and Carol Carr were married May 27, 2006 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and in 2007 they were sealed in the Jordan River Temple. Golden, as Carol always called him, felt it was his good fortune to have met her by chance while entering a doctor’s office and was blessed to have her in his life for his remaining years.

Chuck faced many physical challenges in his life. Despite being born without a right hand, he never let that limit him. Chuck was a natural athlete. As a young child he learned to play baseball with his older brother Bob. In high school he lettered in football and track and field (discus). He also became an expert snow skier, slalom water skier, and scuba diver.

Later in life, Chuck was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which he bore gracefully and without complaint. Throughout his life, he managed to maintain a positive attitude and outlook on life. He loved his family and friends and was always interested in keeping up with their lives and developments, especially his children whom he loved deeply. As his health declined over his last few years, he was blessed to have Carol’s loving care, along with that of his brother Bob and cousin Dick Cutler.

Chuck passed away peacefully on February 9, 2023 in Bluffdale, UT, at the age of 69. He was predeceased by his grandparents, father Mel Paxton, mother Marje Nordquist, step-father Ed Nordquist, brother Michael Paxton, and niece Donna Paxton Watkins. Chuck is survived by his wife Carol, his children Charles (Amy), Chelsea (Jeremy), Christopher (Katherine), Josanne (David), Madison (Adam), stepsons Ryan (Stacey) Carr, Jeffrey (Cashell) Carr, and 16 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Robert (Judy), Rodger (Theresa), and sister Cheryl (Stan) Bell, sister-in-law Kay (James) Stewart, step-sisters Janet (Marshall) Brough, Mary Jane (James) Wilson, and step-brother James (Erica) Nordquist, and numerous nephews and nieces.

A gathering celebrating Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. Graveside interment will follow at Salt Lake City Cemetery 200 “N” Street. Friends and family are welcome.

Numbers 6:24-26
24. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
25. The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

John 11: 25-26
25. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though
he were dead, yet shall he live:
26. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.


Guestbook/Condolences

So sorry to hear about Chuck’s passing. He was a great teammate and friend during our high school years. Condolences to the family. May he Rest in Peace.🙏🏽🙏🏽✝️✝️


- Mike Denevi