John Bennett Oxton, Hope, ND, died Friday, July 10, 2015 at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND. John was born September 19, 1936, the youngest child of Frank A. and Laura Oxton. He grew up in Hope and graduated from Hope High School in 1954. He married Judy Anderson on May 6, 1960. The couple farmed southeast of Hope until John retired in 1990. Judy passed away in 1998 and John moved to an apartment in Hope. John was active on many boards throughout his life. He was the assessor of Colgate Township, 1957-1998; Board of Directors Hope Fire Protection District, 1962-2000; President of Steele County Township Officers, 1973-1978; President of ND Township Officers, 1979-1983; Lobbyist, NDTOA, 1979-1994;Board of Directors of National Associations Towns and Townships, 1980-1981; ND Mr. Township Award Winner, 1989; Runner-up for National Grassroots Leadership Award, 1990; Board of Directors, International Coalition of the Red River Valley, 1984-1995. During his retirement, John continued to keep busy assisting with the Hope Fire Department Charitable Gaming and researching the Hope Cemetery maps. He is survived by his children, Lesley Oxton, Hope; Cherie (Pete) Schumacher, Hope; Karla (Daniel) Knudsvig, West Fargo; and William (Shari) Oxton, Northwood and 18 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Judy, two sisters, Ruth Margaret and Lois, and one brother, Frank Jr. A Memorial service will be held Friday, July 24, 2015 at 2 pm at the Hope American Legion, Hope, ND. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of JOHN B. OXTON, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.