All a man has to leave behind is his legacy and those that knew him know that Joe Axton was a true American hero. He passed away almost five years ago and I think it's appropriate to not forget him and let his legacy be remembered.

Back in 2007, I was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Tx and came across an article in Bassmaster magazine about Axton's resort offering free lodging, food and guided fishing trips to military personnel. I had never fished Lake Fork and always wanted to, so a friend and I took advantage of the deal. We didn't take the guide, but they gave us free lodging and food for three days. I tried to offer to pay for some of it, but Joe wouldn't let us, and the waitresses wouldn't even except a tip from us in the restaurant...they treated us like celebrities and said they appreciated our service. After that we would sneak tips in under our plates and leave.

Joe would have breakfast with us every morning and tell us where to fish and what to use. He would tell us war stories, and tell us how much he appreciated our service and even gave us hugs when we left. One evening we didn't make it back in time for dinner and they had a basket with sandwiches in our hotel room. He said that he was offering the free deal because he remembered how military people were treated when they returned from Vietnam and he wanted to let military returning from this war know that they were appreciated. Joe himself was in the Marines for 9 or 10 years.

You don't run across people with Joe's generosity everyday and I hope his legacy lives on and I hope that he's never forgotten. Joe was a true American and an inspiration for all.

RIP Joe...I salute you Sir and you are missed by many.

Great tribute and yes, Mr. Axton is remembered and missed by many of us.

Thanks for posting this. It's what it's all about.

RIP

RIP JOE. He was a great man!!

Yes I remember the grand opening in Mesquite 1989. It was a big event. Lake Fork was still young and gas prices cheap

Joe was one of a kind. I fished with him many times on Fork and Monty. He was salt of the earth.

Nice write up. I didn't know about the offer. That is a truly generous show of appreciation.

Thanks for your service!!!

My grandfather was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII. A mortar shell exploded in a bunker and the shrapnel really tore him up. Put his right eye out, severed the nerve in his left wrist, several through his cheeks knocking his teeth out, lost hearing in his left ear, etc. Still had pieces of metal in his body when he passed at the age of 91.

I have a special place in my heart for the men and women who fight so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today!!!

That's awesome....that is exactly how out military personnel should be treated.

Thanks for your service and the post.

Wow...awesome story. What a guy!

And thank you Sir for your service!

Great American and fellow fisherman,stayed at his place many times.Wish his place was as nice now as it was then.He had the best night tournaments remember....

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story about Joe Axton-
SpeciaL THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY-
It is awesome to read these type threads here on TFF-
Similar to the tribute to the what appeared so evident on the outside as a "tough as nails" operator of Rainswood, who once a person got to know him soon learned what a rough time he was having with life in general but nonetheless was a good decent sort.

Many times, IMO too often, we read of the negative and witness many sniping at their fellow TFFer without just cause.
What a treat to view these inspiring excerpts.

I found out about Joe Axton's offer while I was working in Baghdad. I made contact with him, and he gave me the details. His offer to military on R&R coming through DFW was to drive a van and pick them up at the airport, bring them to Axton's, feed and house them, and have a guide for them. 2 or 3 days all inclusive.

I got this info over to the Camp Liberty MWR and I can only hope that people took that offer and got to meet him.

I made a trip to Fork on one of my R&Rs, and went and met him.

A TRUE patriot, unselfish and giving, his qualities I saw in the one meeting and several e-mails are too many to mention.

This kind of thing makes my day. Thanks for sharing your story of meeting him and your trip. Thank You for your service.

No problem guys, its an honor and privilege to serve. I have the best job in the world and I would do it for free if I had a way to still support my family.

Makes me proud to see all of the responses and respect for Mr Axton.

Thanks!