Eva Merle Paxton, 75, Raymore, MO, died Thursday, January 6, 2011 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, KS. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 14, 2011 at the Atkinson Chapel in Adrian, MO. Friends may call 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 12 at the Cullen Funeral Home in Raymore, MO and from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 13 at the Atkinson Chapel in Adrian. Burial will be in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Eva Merle Paxton, 75, of Raymore, MO died Thursday, January 6, 2011 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, KS, after a 12 year battle with cancer. Funeral services 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 14, 2011 at the Atkinson Chapel in Adrian, MO with burial at Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Two visitations are scheduled; 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 12 at the Cullen Funeral Home in Raymore, MO and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 13 at the Atkinson Chapel in Adrian. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Merle Paxton Memorial Fund, in care of the family.

Merle was born June 15, 1935 in Alton, MO the daughter of Tom and Nellie (Staires) Archer. She moved to the Raymore area in 1950 with her family. She graduated from Raymore High School in 1954. She worked at the Little Shirt Company in Belton, MO from 1954 – 1955. She then worked for Solo Cup Company in Grandview, MO where she began on the manufacturing line and retired as personnel manager, ending her 45 year career when the plant closed in 2001.

She enjoyed baking, cake decorating, candy making, crocheting, making afghans, doll dresses, lace, reading and working puzzles. She loved being with and helping and teaching her grandchildren. She also enjoyed going to the New Dinner Theater in Kansas City with family and friends, traveling to various locations such as Branson, Disney World, Alaska, Hawaii several times, Canada and other family vacations throughout the U.S. Merle also enjoyed being outdoors and helping on the family farm.

She was preceded in death by her father, Tom Archer Sr., and brothers, Thomas Archer Jr., Jimmy Archer and Harlin Archer. She is survived by her husband, Jim Paxton of the home; son, Thomas Paxton and his wife, Dorothy, of Butler, MO; four grandchildren, Isaac Flint and his fiancée, Stephanie Bibb, Eleni Flint, James Paxton and Scott Paxton; mother, Nellie Archer of Harrisonville, MO; a twin sister, Mary Turner of Raymore, MO and sisters, Anna Lou Archer and Jane Archer, both of Harrisonville, MO; two sisters-in-law, Marie Archer of Springdale, AR and Louanne Elefson of Butler, MO and numerous nieces and nephews.