Vernon Gene Buxton

Vernon was born on May 7, 1933, to Franklin Vernon Buxton and Muriel H. Buxton (nee Klock).

Vernon, affectionately known as ‘Gene’, was a long-term resident of Belleville and Fairview Heights, Illinois. He was a 32nd degree Mason.

Gene served in the US Navy (1951 – 1955), serving as an Electronics Technician 2nd Class, in the Korean War. He earned a BSEE from the University of Illinois in 1959; and began his career as an Electrical Engineer at McDonnell Douglas (1960 – 1991). He also served a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America in the 1970s.

Gene was preceded in death by wife, Joyce Buxton (1953-1986, died 1986); wife, Judith Buxton (1987-2006, died 2006); companion, Donna Wooden (2007-2025, died 2025); sister, Jaclyn Vistine (died 2006); brother-in-law, Melvin Vistine (died 2003); and mother, Muriel Payne (died 1953).

Gene is survived by his Sons: Robert Buxton (Sandra) of Westminster, CO; David Buxton (Uliana) of Belleville, IL; and Doug (Jane) Buxton of Belleville, IL. Grandchildren: Tommy Sabo of Belleville, IL; Danny Sabo of O’Fallon, IL; Sarah (Mark) Burton of Millstadt, IL; Jennifer (Justin) Spradlin of Florissant, MO; Shannon (Nicholas) Erickson of St. Charles, MO; Brian (Lisa) Buxton of Brighton, CO; Paul Buxton (Partner – Crystal Gayer) of Belleville, IL; Brittany (Collin) Hansen of Lakewood, CO; Lauren Buxton of San Diego, CA; Daniel Buxton of Belleville, IL; and Nicole Buxton of Belleville, IL; Great-Grandchildren: Brandon Sabo, Tyler Spradlin, Isaac Erickson, Mark Burton, Jr., Alaina Erickson, Emma Buxton, and Michael Buxton; Nieces and Nephews: Gayle Vistine, Greg (Cassie) Vistine, Gary Vistine, Aaron (Eileen) Doty, and Sara Owen.

Gene was a member of Gothic Lodge 852 AF&AM Scottish Rite Bodies, Ainad Shrine, and he was the past president of Ainad Color Guard. There will be an Ainad Color Guard Walk- Through on Friday, March 13th @ 6:30pm.

A visitation for Gene will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, Illinois. On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the visitation will begin at 9:00am, followed by the funeral service beginning at 10:00am. The committal will take place at Lake View Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gene’s honor to Ainad Shriners Building Restoration Fund, 609 St. Louis Avenue, East St. Louis, Illinois 62201 or the St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 W B Street, Belleville, Illinois 62220.