Gene Duane Haxton

Gene Duane Haxton, second son of Roy W. and Anna B. (Heaton) Haxton was born March 16th, 1936 in Pullman, WA. Gene and his then two siblings moved to Jennings Lodge, OR in 1941, where they all attended school through 8th grade. The boys went on to West Linn High, while their sister attended Oregon City High. Gene was not only an exceptional student, he also spent his high school years as a yell leader for West Linn’s cheer team. He graduated in 1954, and went on to attend Lewis and Clark College in Portland, followed by Washington State University in Pullman.

Gene served with the Air Force Reserves for 11 years, fostering a king fascination with aircraft, particularly wartime machines. Many, many meals were taken at one of his favorite dining establishments: The Bomber in Milwaukie, OR. He was an avid dancer, and spent a few years teaching ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Portland. It was during this season when he reconnected with Geri Stone. Gene and Geri were initially introduced by their relatives in Pullman. After marrying in Vancouver, WA, Gene and Geri moved to Pullman.

Gene worked in the city's Engineering Department while attending WSU. In 1968, he accepted a position with the City of Eugene as a Building Inspector for residential, commercial, new construction and existing structures. Gene ultimately became the Field Inspection Supervisor, where he worked until 1983. At that time, he went to the City of Auburn, WA to head up the Building Department.

Gene retired and moved to Clackamas, OR in the early 90s. He enjoyed connecting with old friends from school and being near his sons and daughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother, and his children's mother. Gene is survived by his children Jeff (Kim) Haxton of Austin, TX; Jim Haxton of Clackamas, OR; Julie Hargrove (Brian) and their two children Noah and Brenna of Nampa, ID; and John (Lynn) Haxton of Boring, OR and their two children Daniel of Gladstone, OR and Samantha of Damascus, OR; his sister Sherry (Marty) Stroy of Oregon City, Gerry (Joyce) Haxton of Vancouver, WA, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, first and second cousins, aunts and uncles scattered across the Pacific Northwest, California and Alaska.

Father, Grandfather, and Friend to many, Gene passed away in his sleep in Nampa with his daughter and her family by his side. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Gene’s daughter suggests a donation to any of the following organizations: Kaiser Permanente Northwest Hospice Program of Portland, OR; Marquis Mount Tabor Post-Acute Skilled Nursing Facility in Portland, OR; Portland’s Metro West Ambulance Service; or Auburn Crest Hospice of Boise, ID.

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