- Date Of Birth: December 29, 1926
- Date Of Death: February 5, 2018
- State: Michigan
Robert Gordon Axt, age 91, was born on December 29, 1926 to Agnes and Edward Axt in Detroit Michigan. He lived in Detroit on Ilene and began his retail career working at J.L. Hudson Company where is father, Edward Axt was an executive. Robert served his country in the U.S. Army stationed in Japan during WWII. His time serving his country was always fresh on his mind, as he spoke about his service proudly and frequently. At the age of 15, Sylvia Karamanian moved next door to the Axt family residence in Detroit and that began their lifelong journey from friendship to marriage to friendship over the next 70 years. Robert returned from the war to marry Sylvia and had 3 children, Jeffrey, Carey and Sandra. His life included owning the retail menswear family business founded by his father in law, Charles Karamanian. Robert ran the business until his retirement but stayed connected to fashion and retail by working after retirement at local menswear establishments for years. In his 80’s Robert worked as a greeter at Walmart to keep busy and was their most reliable employee who often worked double shifts from morning to night. Robert ultimately moved from Warren Michigan to Bloomfield Hills Michigan into his Son and daughter in law Jeffrey and Renee’s home . For the next 10 years living with Jeff and Renee’ he was able to see the birth of his grandson Wolfgang, who is now 3 years old, and developed a special bond with him. Robert loved sports especially hockey as the TV was always on both US and Canadian games. Robert loved people and had a tremendous dry sense of humor. He loved to dance the half time and loved big band music from the WWII era. He also was an artist who could draw and refinish furniture and opened an antique business in his early years. His sense of humor and zest for life gave him a following at local watering holes long into his 70’s surrounded by much younger people. He was the life of the party at his many grandchildren’s graduation and birthday parties never missing an opportunity to toast to their successes and accomplishments. Robert had a love for fine watches, pens and cars and purchased a new burgundy Chevrolet after the war. It wasn’t until 2006 when he purchased his next new car, a Dodge Magnum which was his pride and joy taking delivery right off the showroom floor. He kept a meticulous lawn and was the Detroit area’s well known creative “window display trimmer” during his retail apparel business years. He lived life effortlessly never complaining and always getting along with everyone he came in contact with. His favorite phrase was “take it easy” when referring to or advising of life’s troubles, stress or even a sunny summer day. He followed his own advice which undoubtedly led him to 91 years of happiness and stress free living with the strength and body of a man 1/3 his age. As a youth, Robert spent many summer’s with his family in Munising. He developed his neatness and organization skills from his mother Agnes and the military. But it was his years in the military, stationed in Japan which he recalled with immense pride in serving his country and spoke of his service effortlessly.Although Robert attended church occasionally, his faith in God ran deep. His favorite phrase was “praise the Lord” which he said often while making the sign of the cross. During the time of his illness, he surprised his family and Fr. Aren by reciting the Lord’s Prayer by memory during a healing prayer. Robert will be missed by his 3 children, Jeffrey, Carey and Sandra and 6 grandchildren. He will also be missed by an “army” of friends, acquaintances and others who would fall under what he would refer to as his extended family….FAMILY MEMBERS Beloved father of Jeffrey (Renee’) Axt, Carey (Laura) Axt, Sandra (Thomas) Williams. Cherished grandfather of Wolfgang, Lauren, Joseph, Rees, Ryan and Sydney. Devoted son of the late Edward Hubert and Agnes Axt. Dear brother of Helen (Don) Bergstrom, Nancy (William) West, Burnette (Gertrude) Palmer. Also many other relatives and friends…..
