Robert Eugene "Gene" Cawthon passed away at home Tuesday, July 2, 2024, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born October 31, 1947, in Paxton, Florida the son of Cecil and Lena Cawthon. Gene was a 1965 graduate of Paxton High School and joined the Army before his 18th birthday. His 8 years in the Army included 2 terms in Viet Nam where he was in contact with the Agent Orange chemical which led to his later demise. He was employed for 32 years in the oil industry retiring from AKORS Energy Company.

Gene is predeceased by his parents, Cecil and Lena Cawthon, Martha Cawthon, the mother of his 2 predeceased children, Brandi and Andy Cawthon. He is survived by his wife, Anita L. Cawthon and stepson Eric Waters of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, stepdaughter, Danielle (Zach) Miller of Conyers, Georgia, Gayle (Harold) Cassidy, nephews, Jamie (Shonda) Cassidy, Lea (Alisha) Cassidy and niece Christy Elmore, all of Clear Springs Community in Northern Walton County and brother Billy Mac Cawthon, nephews, Mack (Megan) ,John Cawthon of Crestview, Florida, Edward  G. (Allie) Laird ll Houston, Texas, and Jason Parish of Pensacola, Florida, nieces, Dr.Cary (Austin) Butler DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Robin (Steve) Haynes and Dale Parish both of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He is also survived by a host of great nieces and nephews and extended family members throughout the local area.

His steadfast love, loyalty and respect never waivered for his surviving Viet Nam/Army buddies including Larry Fuhr (Joplin, Missouri), Gary Carroll (Tullahoma, TN.) Tony Surles and Dallas Flood (Fayetteville, N.C.)

Funeral services will be held at Evans Funeral Home, Florala, Alabama July 6, 2024, at 11:00 with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 prior to the service. Interment will follow in Clear Springs Community Cemetery.

The family is requesting no flowers, but Memorials in Gene's Memory can be made to Cancer Freeze, P.O. Box 92 Florala, Alabama 36442, or Independence Fund for Veterans, 412 Louise Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 or St, Jude's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.

Please join us in remembering Robert Eugene "Gene" Cawthon by visiting our Memorial at evansfuneralhomeal.com. Through this site we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.