Dwight E. Haston

Dwight E. Haston of Spencer, Tennessee, has finally proven Mark Twain's old joke wrong. While Twain quipped that "the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated," in Dwight's case, we regret to confirm that the rumor was true this time. As Charles Dickens wisely said, "A loving heart is the truest wisdom," and Dwight certainly embodied that truth. Yet, Dickens also reminded us that "every human creature is a profound secret and mystery to every other," and Dwight was undoubtedly a man of many mysteries. This time, sadly, he could not be recalled to life.

Born on November 1, 1946, Dwight departed this world September 26, 2025, just days shy of his and his beloved wife Carolyn's 60th wedding anniversary, which was to be celebrated on October 2. True to his playful spirit, he let Carolyn think she had won by sticking around for longer than six decades-though, knowing them both, he will probably still be expected to take out the trash from the other side.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elwood C. and Thelma Louise Haston of Spencer, TN. He is survived by Carolyn, his lifelong love; his children, Michelle (Jamie Lawson) and Brady (Jennifer Leach); and three grandchildren who kept his heart young: James and Amber Lawson, and Alex Haston. He also leaves behind cherished "Auntie" -Ann Stratton, and beloved cousins Cherri Picard, Brady Stratton, Vivian Picard-and many other extended family members with whom he shared laughter and countless memories.

Dwight spent his life in service to his country and community - first as an Air Force veteran during Vietnam, then through decades of government service overseas on military bases. When he finally returned home, he traded the flight line for the classroom, serving as an educator for the State of Tennessee. Retirement didn't slow him down; it simply gave him a new mission: traveling the world once more, both with a passport in hand and through the boundless journeys of his imagination.

He was a man of humor, heart, and stubbornness in the best possible ways. He loved fiercely, laughed often, and could spin a story with enough exaggeration to make Twain himself proud. He leaves behind a family that adored him, a marriage worthy of writing stories about, and a reminder that life is both fleeting and unexpectedly long.

The family will hold a private ceremony to scatter his ashes. His stories, his laughter, and his spirit will live on-retold by those who loved him, hopefully with more accuracy than he sometimes claimed for himself.

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 3741, (423) 877-3524, lanefh.com