John E. Axcell, 89, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025 at his home.
John was born February 28, 1936 in Ohio Grove Township, Warren Co. IL, the son of Edward and Ava Lillian (Higginson) Axcell. He was raised and educated in Warren County, graduating from Alexis High School in 1954. Following his graduation he enlisted in the United States Army, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. While serving with the Army, John was very proud to play Trumpet with the US Army Band.
John married Roxie Olson. He later married Sandra K. Smith in Cameron, IL, on July 12, 1975 and she survives.
John worked at Maytag for 36 years as a gas welder, retiring in 1993.
He enjoyed going to yard sales and flea markets. He always enjoyed a good deal. John was an animal lover, especially his dogs, Vern, Buffy, Sophie and lastly Molly,
Survivors include his wife, Sandra Axcell of Monmouth; his son, Dennis Axcell of Galesburg, IL; 2 step-son, Jeff (Sandra) Smith of Monmouth and Greg Smith of Christina, TN; grandchildren; Kathleen Axcell, Jeffrey A. (Darlene) Smith, Tarra (Jon) Lock, Chelsea (Nick) Teel and Shanell (Justin) Siemans; 11 great-grandchildren; his sister, Martha Flesher of CO; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John Axcell; 1 brother, Donald Axell and 2 sisters, Marilyn Johnson and Mary O’Brien.
A Gathering of Family & Friends will be from 5:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, October 23, 2025 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth with a Military Honors Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to Western Illinois Animal Rescue (WIAR) or St. Jude Children’s Hospital and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
