Gene Croxton

Eugene T. Croxton, Jr. was born to Hazel T. Glover and Eugene T. Croxton, Sr. in Chicago, IL on October 14, 1960. Eugene, lovingly known as Gene, graduated from Hyde Park Academy in Illinois and Dominquez Hills College in California earning a Bachelor of Science in Business.

As his mother's only child, his mission and life's work was to protect and make sure that his mother was taken care of. Gene was the epitome of what every mother would want in her son. He always put his mother's needs before his and this sometimes meant not attending events or cancelling vacations all of which he did without regrets. Gene's mother was his everything and Gene was everything to his mother.

When Gene moved to California he lived with his sisters and their mother. He loved being the older brother to his sisters. He adored his sisters, always looking out after them even when they were being mischievous. As well, he poured love into his nieces, always speaking highly of them. He cherished his great niece and his great nephew just as much, always being the proud uncle.

After moving to California, Gene enrolled in college. On the first day of instruction, he met his life-long friend, Paul Roberts. The two of them connected instantly and, up until his passing, were the best of friends.

Gene's blood family was small in number. But that didn't stop Gene as he befriended a large group of friends, ultimately claiming most to be a part of his extended family -- loving them as if they were in his bloodline. He was a man who would whole-heartedly extend a helping hand. If you needed anything and asked him, he would be there for you. He cherished his family and friend

Gene brought joy to others with his comedic personality. He could take the most random thing and turn it into a joke. Sharing his stories about his childhood and adult adventures would continuously keep everyone laughing.

Gene led an active lifestyle and loved to participate in outdoor activities, namely skiing and bike riding. It's that compassion and his need to give back that steered him to volunteer countless years with the National Brotherhood of Skiers, serving as the Financial Secretary for the last eight years as well several year as Vice President of the local club – Ebony Ski & Racquet Club.

In addition to skiing, Gene loved to ride bikes. For many years, he rode with the Umoja bike club.

Gene loved cooking. Gene was known for preparing many scrumptious dishes and he loved sharing these tasty creations with others.

Gene loved pancakes! His latest culinary project was perfecting lemon pancakes. It didn't matter what time of day, when the urge hit, Gene would go make pancakes. Gene was also known for making superb salsa sometimes accompanied by a flavorful, well-portioned margarita. He'd present all his creations to you with a "BAM!" When Gene made any dish, countless people's mouths would water because he'd post the photos on social media teasing all those that viewed the photo. It could be said that this was another testament of how Gene shared his love with everyone.

Gene was also a connoisseur of music and cars. He loved listening to all types of music. If Gene was somewhere and heard a song that he didn't recognize, he'd pull out his cell phone, engage the Shazam app and get as much information about that song so that he could download it later.

Cars were also his passion. In a blink of an eye, Gene would be able to tell you all about that car. Most of us are well-aware of his car passions and many of us were just as eager for the delivery of his prized Tesla.

The last year of Gene's life was shared with someone very special to him…Babette Billingsley. The two were always together and were making plans to spend the rest of their lives together as one. Gene offered and most importantly understood the meaning of love and he was in love with Babette and she with him. The light that they shined on each other will never be replaced.

Throughout his life, he touched us with his love and presence. Gene leaves behind to cherish his memory his mother Hazel T. Glover, sisters Lawanda Bart-Plange (Mulu), Sherry Lynn Croxton-Alexander (Darin), and Kimberly Croxton, nieces Sharnee' Walker (Herbie), DeJahnae Alexander, great niece Jasmine Walker, and great nephew Jean-Christophe Walker. Gene also leaves his love Babette Billingsley, a host of other relatives and a "strong bond of close friends."


Gene was preceded in death by his father, Eugene T. Croxton Sr.