Claxton inducted into Franklin Alumni Hall of Fame

Bob Claxton was recently inducted into the Franklin Community High School Alumni Hall of Fame along with Dr. Alva Neal, Nancy Ann Phares Brown Poynter and Karen Wenning Stellick.

Claxton is a 1972 Franklin Community graduate who went on to graduate from Franklin College.

He then began his career with Knauf Insulation in Shelbyville, Indiana, as an accounting clerk.

Claxton went on to earn his MBA from the University of Indianapolis and continued to work his way up through the corporate ranks at Knauf.

He became plant manager in 1985 and was selected to oversee the building of a new plant in Alabama. Upon returning to Shelbyville, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Finance and served in that capacity for 16 years before being named President and CEO.

He retired from Knauf in 2011 but continues to work on special projects for the company. In addition, he and two partners recently purchased a manufacturing plant in Fairland, Indiana, where he currently serves as CEO.

While at Knauf, Claxton made the company a major philanthropic force for Shelby County. He made it his mission to provide unprecedented support to non-profit organizations and charities and encouraged other professionals and businesses to become active in giving their time, talents and finances to the community.

Claxton served on the Shelby County United Fund’s Board of Directors for many years and twice assumed the responsibility of drive chairman. He also dedicated extensive time and effort to the Shelby County Boys and Girls Clubs. He was an active member of the board of directors for 15 years.

He served as chairman of the capital campaign committee that funded new building renovation for the two youth-serving organizations. The drive ultimately raised more than $2.6 million dollars, surpassing the campaign goal of $500,000. The Indiana Boys and Girls Club Area Council presented him with its Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his tremendous service.

In addition, Claxton has led capital campaigns for Major Hospital and St. Joseph Catholic Church. During his career, he has personally led campaigns raising more than $7 million dollars for charities.

An avid golfer, Claxton competed in the State Finals while in high school, and the NAIA Nationals his junior year at Franklin College. He and his wife, Susie, have three married sons, Ryan, Brady and Brett, along with seven grandchildren.

This year’s Franklin Community alumni class was inducted on Aug. 23.

“It was a wonderful evening honoring these four inductees. I was grateful to be a part of it and that the evening could be shared with the Summa Cum Laude seniors from the high school,” said Superintendent Dr. David Clendening in a press release. “I believe that it’s important for our students to connect with our very accomplished alumni.”

Neal, class of 1888, was a teacher, principal and superintendent in Franklin schools. An innovator in his field, Neal served as a registrar at the University of Arizona, simplifying processes for many colleges and universities.

Poynter, class of 1958, was the first female elected official in Bartholomew County. She served as treasurer in 1970 and was the youngest and first female elected Mayor of Columbus in 1979.

Stellick, class of 1978, started her own physical therapy company. She was a member of the sports medicine team who traveled with the LPGA where she helped improve the fitness of golfers and recover from injuries.