Cletus Eugene "Gene" Laxton

Cletus Eugene “Gene” Laxton, age 71, of Granite Falls, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Caldwell UNC Healthcare.He was born March 3, 1949 in Caldwell County to the late Herman and Clarabell Tolbert Laxton.In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Dustin Samples; sister, Louise Laxton; and four brothers, Paul, Conard, Willie, and Rex Laxton. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Shinn Laxton of the home; daughter, Stephanie Laxton LaLonde of Harrison, TN; four step-children, Dexter Auton, Dennis Auton, Rusty Auton, and Sandra Adkins; and sister, Annabelle Walden of St. Bernard, OH. Gene retired from Shurtape after many years of employment.He was a devout Christian and a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.He loved to read his Bible and reminisce about family history.He was known for his sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh.Gene loved his animals and especially his Pomeranian, “Princess Jean”.He will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind and generous soul. A Private Memorial Service will be held by the family on Sunday conducted by Reverend Clyde Bumgarner and Reverend Ed Warren. Family request masks and social distancing. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.