Gene Phillip Traxler, 71 passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 in the Intensive Care Unit of North Colorado Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Gene was born at the Anderson Maternity Hospital in Akron, Colorado on October 20, 1941, the youngest son of Theodore "Ted" and Freda Zysset Traxler.
The Traxlers farmed northeast of Elba where Gene attended the Fight School. This school was moved several times then renamed the Victory School. The school was consolidated and closed after Gene completed eighth grade. He then transferred to Akron High School graduating with the class of 1960.
After graduation Gene traveled the country doing custom harvesting and enjoyed going all the way from south Texas to North Dakota and east into Kansas and Nebraska. He later worked as a mechanic at Spicknall's Automotive and drove truck for Orman Spear before purchasing his own trucks and driving over the road. Then in the late 70's he returned to his life's calling, farming. Gene continued to farm throughout his illness but sadly was unable to drill his wheat last fall as he had grown too weak. But that is when the blessings of a small town stepped in and a good neighbor drilled the wheat for him so he was able to see his last crop come up.
On November 26, 1969, Gene was united in marriage to Marcia Highland at Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron, Colorado. Together they raised two daughters, Kristina Ann and Brenda Jean.
Gene enjoyed attending school sports activities to watch his daughters play volleyball and basketball. This continued on with his grandkids as they came along. He was a livestock leader for 10 years with the Miscellaneous Mavericks 4-H Club. In later years he enjoyed going hunting and target shooting with his grandsons. He and Marcia liked to travel and trips to Arizona and Nevada were popular destinations in the winter months. They also made trips as often as possible to Washington to visit Krissy and her family. Gene loved to eat and if you gave him the name of a town he had been to he could generally tell you the best restaurant there. Of course his favorites were the all you can eat buffets. Gene was an animal lover which he inherited from his mother and many 4-legged pets passed through his life, each one being special.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Freda, his older brother Elvin Dale, nephews Sparky Traxler and Jimmy Traxler, and his parents-in-law Bob and Leona Highland.
Gene leaves to mourn his passing his wife Marcia, daughters Kristina Vaughn of Klickitat, Washington, and Brenda Rhea and husband Rick of Akron. Granddaughter KaCee Rappe and husband Brad and their children Sierra and Bradley Jr. of Lyle, Washington, grandsons Kurtis and wife Lacey Vaughn of Goldendale, Washington, Kolby Vaughn of Roosevelt, Washington, Ryan Rhea and fiancé Lacey Kerbs of Fort Morgan, Colorado and Bradley Rhea of Akron, Colorado. Brother-in-law Rowland Highland and wife Michelle of Thornton, sisters-in-law Nancy Venard of Commerce City, Colorado and Jodi Traxler of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma as well as a host of other family members and friends.
A funeral service was held Monday, March 4, 2013 at the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Akron. Interment followed at the Akron Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the David Walsh Cancer Center in Sterling, CO. Bowin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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Published in Akron News-Reporter on Mar. 6, 2013
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