Curtis Don Thaxton

Curtis Don Thaxton, 81, of Blytheville, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, April 3rd, 2018, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Lake City, Arkansas, on June 6, 1936 to Clarisey Eugene Thaxton and Elsie Dixielee Fletcher Thaxton. He was a charter member of North 10th Street Baptist church in Blytheville. Curtis proudly served his country in the National Guard for 15 years.

Mr. Thaxton lived in Blytheville for most of his life. He and Dortha lived in Memphis, Tennessee from 1959 to 1975, and then returned to Blytheville to go into business with his brother.

Curtis was a mechanic by trade. He learned how to work on cars and trucks from helping his dad in their yard from the age of 12. Later, he owned his own auto repair shop. His friends and family say that he was a good and fast mechanic, and they often called him “Mr. Tune-up.” He also worked for Nucor Yamato for 12 years as a mobile mechanic.

Curtis enjoyed reading, mowing the grass, going to the lake and beach, and “people watching” on shopping trips with his family. His family says he was very mischievous, and liked to aggravate people in a fun, loving way. He would hide in the hallway and jump out unexpectedly to scare everybody. He had a favorite nickname for his brother-in-law, but you will have to ask Larry what that was.

His son said, “Dad had a good work ethic and would do anything for anybody.” His wife said, “He was a good man. A wonderful husband, brother, father, grandfather and son.” His granddaughters said, “He was the “ultimate Christmas morning person!” He always made everything special.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a younger brother, and an older sister.

He is survived by his wife, the love of his life for 62 years, Dortha Jean Plunkett Thaxton, of Blytheville;

Two sons: Curtis Don Thaxton Jr. (Donnie) and Chadwick Eugene Thaxton, both of Blytheville;

Two granddaughters: Hillary Kathryn Thaxton Gee and Dustin of Blytheville and Hannah Elizabeth Thaxton of Mountain Home;

Two great-grandchildren: Briggs Rylan Gee and Ella Kathryn Gee, both of Blytheville;

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 6, at 3:00 p.m. in Carney Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Tommy Carney officiating. Visitation will be at 2:00 p.m. until service begins. Burial will be in Carney Cemetery.

The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to The American Cancer Society, 901 N University Ave, Little Rock AR 72207 or The Alzheimer’s Association, Arkansas Chapter, 10201 W Markham, Suite 100, Little Rock AR 72205.

Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com.