Merlin W. "Butch" Saxe

A gathering to celebrate the life of Merlin William “Butch” Saxe, Jr., 80, of Mentor-on-the-Lake, will be held from 3-6 PM on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Davis-Babcock Funeral Home, 4154 Clark Avenue, Willoughby.

Butch passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 16, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Born August 7, 1943 in Willoughby, he was a lifelong Lake County resident.

He most enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Sons of AMVETS Post 109 in Mentor-on-the-Lake, and enjoyed shooting pool with his friends.

Butch was employed as tow motor builder and operator, at the former Caterpillar Corporation plant in Mentor and York, PA for 25 years, and retired from Lincoln Electric Company in Mentor after 12 years of service there.

Survivors are his wife of 60 years, Joyce M. (Gates) Saxe; daughters, Deborah Mitchell, Theresa Petersen and Patricia (Mark) Wintle; grandchildren, Thomas (Kassie) Pitt, Brandon Luke, Daniel (Lisa) Mitchell, Damian (Gabi) Mitchell, Danae Mitchell, Amber (Jason) DiLiello, Amanda Wintle and Heather (Kyle) Davidson; great-grandchildren, Alaina, Sophia, Giovanni, Ariana, Jaxson, Thomas, Zada and Mylana; brother, Edward (Mary) Saxe and sister, Nancy Mellen. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as his best friend, Dave Lucas.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Brenton Hemberger; his parents, Merland B. and Alverna J. (Andrews) Saxe; sisters, Marie Szucs, Jane Medvec, Linda Wickman Grace Naples and Donna Ritts and brother-in-law, Carl Ritts.

Private family interment will be at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chester Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to The American Lung Association, 1466 Riverside Drive, Suite D; Chattanooga, TN 37406 or online at www.lung.org