Rev. Leonard S. Buxton (’56, ’63)
The following obituary was originally published by Hugh B. Hughes Funeral Home and can be found here.
Reverend Leonard S. Buxton died December 16th, 2024 at Wesley Village Rehabilitation Center in Pittston surrounded by members of his family. He was born in Ephrata PA, the son of Rev. Sydney and Ella Buxton on May 21, 1930. Leonard attended Albright College and Boston University, becoming a United Methodist minister. He served numerous congregations–from Somerville Massachusetts to churches in metropolitan New York, including a tenure of service at NY Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn–finally settling in northeastern Pennsylvania. Active in the civil rights movement, he also taught psychology at Claflin and Benedict Colleges in South Carolina and wrote about his experiences in his book This is My Story, This is My Song.
Leonard married his beloved wife, Loretta (Smith) Buxton in 1957 and they had daughter (Lynette), and three sons. They traveled the world during their time together and were currently living at Wesley Village retirement community.
Leonard is survived by his wife (Loretta), sons Mark (Hilary), Jon (Barbara), and Dale (Angie). Grandchildren include Leah (Addison), Josiah (Sarah), Jesse (Elsa), and Sam. He also has a great grandchild, Wren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Shavertown United Methodist Church, 163 N Pioneer Avenue, Shavertown, on Friday, December 20th at 3:30 PM with visitation from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Shavertown United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, if desired, can be sent to hughbhughes.com.