Edijon Saxton

December 15, 1947 - May 4, 2017

Edijon Batchler Saxton, affectionately known by family and friends as “Edi” was born December 15, 1947 in Osaka, Japan to George and Etsuko (Sakai) Batchler. She was raised in Japan with her Mom and maternal grandparents until she was around seven years old. It was at this time, George was able to bring his “war bride”, young daughter, Edijon and younger brother, James to the U.S. The family spent some time in California, Joplin, MO, where Georgie and David were born and finally stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, where Janet and John came along. The eldest of six children, Edi has always been the nurturer and loving Big Sis to the Batchler clan. Edijon attended Waynesville Jr. and Sr. High Schools, graduating in the class of 1965. She went on to attend Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg, Missouri where she studied nursing and met her husband to be, Leon Saxton, Jr.! Leon, the “City Slicker” from Kansas City, MO, swept her off her feet and they were married January 6th, 1968. Together they started a family bringing Leon (Boo) the III and Ukiko (Uki) Yvette into this world in 1968 and 1972, respectively. Because of his service in the Army, the family has lived in Seattle, WA, and Houston, TX. They remained in Houston for 25+ years, where Edi worked in the restaurant industry. Edi initially worked in accounting for Luther’s Bar-B-Que and then went on to work in operations under renowned Executive Chef Robert DelGrande in 5-star restaurant, Café Annie. In the late1990’s, Edi and Leon decided to move back to their home state of Missouri. One, to be closer to her mother and two, she wanted to use her restaurant accounting and operations experience, coupled with her middle sister’s administrative and management expertise to open the family business, Sweetwater Bar-B-Que in March 1999. With humble beginnings of just a hand-built premium pit and a carry-out counter, she was able to grow it into a 50+ seat restaurant with yearly accolades of being the Best Ribs in the Ozarks! Edijon was a dedicated member of the St. Robert/Waynesville Tourism Board, representing the restaurants in the area for many years. She was also a member of the local Chamber of Commerce. Of the many accomplishments during her lifetime, nothing meant more to her than that of her family. Edijon was preceded in death by her son, Leon (Boo); both parents, Etsuko McCord and George Batchler; brother, James and mother-in-law, Lillie Jean Saxton. Edi leaves behind to celebrate her life, her adoring husband of 50+ years, Leon Saxton, Jr.; a loving daughter, Ukiko Y. Saxton-Williams (Brian); sisters Georgie Batchler Trotter (Lewis); Janet J. Batchler Potts (Arlan); brothers, David Batchler (Patricia); and John Batchler (Jennifer); Grandchildren, Mallory D’Ann, Ukara L., Breanna J., Brandon and Bianca; brothers-in-law, Larry B. Saxton (Tanina); J. Michael Saxton (Toni); sisters-in-law Helen L. Brown (Loren), Ida L. Saxton, and Mallory J. Saxton and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives, friends and loved ones! Services were held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 12, 2017 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Arlan Potts officiating. The songs “Take Me to the King” by Tamela Mann and “Worth” by Anthony Brown were played. Several of Edijon’s friends and family members recalled their wonderful memories of her. Serving as escorts were John Batchler, Michael Saxton, David Batchler, Rod Mosley, Carl Lawrence, Richard Aaron, Brian William and Mike Williams. Burial followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri. A Memorial has been established to the Lupus Foundation in memory of Mrs. Saxton and contributions and may be left at the funeral home.