Donald W Croxton

Donald “Donny” William Croxton was born in Sacramento, California to Marsha and William Croxton on November 24, 1965 and passed away, surrounded by family and his pastor, on June 23, 2025 in Santa Clara.

He entered the world Deaf as the result of a birth defect precipitated by the German Measles. Soon after he was born, the Croxton Family relocated two hours south to San José where he attended Oster Elementary and Union Middle Schools. He graduated from Leigh High School in 1984 and later attended Ohlone Community College in Fremont for two years.

In 1990, Donny married Tracie Slamp. Following a multi-year effort, they welcomed their son James William Croxton in September 1996. Donny and Tracie remained married for 26 years until Tracie’s death after a three year battle with cancer in September 2016. He later remarried and soon divorced.

Donny retired from FedEx due to injury, and later worked for Mission Springs Community Church where he and Tracie attended, but his life’s passion was for cars. He owned several classics over the years including a red 1965 Ford Mustang GT convertible, his legendary red and black 1965 Volkswagen Type 3 Notchback and, lastly, a red and white 1965 Chevrolet C10 Shortbed pickup.

Beyond the “real” cars, he was absolutely devoted to Hot Wheels. More specifically, customizing the 1:64 scale diecast models and exhibiting his best creations at the Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention in Los Angeles where he created lifelong friendships with other enthusiasts from across the world. He won several awards over the decades for his customs—most of which looked very little like how they began by the time he was finished. Most notably, in 2012, he won 2nd Place in the Amateur Competition’s ‘Hot Category.” Nearly 10 years later, he repeated the 2nd Place win and then, ultimately, took home the Top Prize for the People’s Choice Award.

He will be missed for his obsession with hats, Alabama Crimson Tide, vintage gas pumps and signs, stickers, Vans footwear, sushi, shellfish, and root beer; his--often raunchy—sense of humor; and for the laugh he was known for by so many.

Donald is survived by his mother, Marsha; his son, James; and son-in-law David.