Joe passed away peacefully on April 1, 2017. He was surrounded by loved ones in his final days and was able to spend his last days visiting his close family and friends. We offer a big thank you to University of Washington Medical Center for being so accomodating.

Joe was born in Longview, Wash., and grew up in the Longview/Kelso area.

Joe and Diana, along with Diana’s son, Robert, moved to Whidbey Island in September 1997 to be closer to his sisters, after their mother passed away. He made many friends here and he enjoyed the tranquility and beauty of the Island.

Joe loved helping people. He was always willing to give you a chance, second chance and even a third chance if he thought it would help.

Joe also loved music and was a gifted bass guitar player. He learned to play bass guitar as a young teen and was taught by a local teen named Jeff Pilson, who is now the bass guitar player for the band Foreigner. Joe played in a few bands over the years and particularly loved rock music.

Joe is survived by his life partner, Diana Armstong, his son Ulrich (Richard) Dean Luxton, Daughter-in-law to be, Lindsay Furberry and his most beloved granddaughter Hailey Ellen Luxton, all of Langley.

He is also survived by his brother Frank Luxton of Vashon Island, Wash.; sister Susan Hough of Salt Lake City, Utah; sisters Janie Hawkins (Troy) of Langley, Sallie Hawkins (Rocky) of Freeland and Lisa Moon of Longview; nephews Joseph Hawkins, Greg Buzzell (Amy) Brandon Luxton, Rocky Hawkins (Amey), Robert Hawkins and Hunter Hawkins; nieces Karen Simpson (Jennifer), Gretchen Stanton, Ashely Torres (Anthony), Shilynne Loux (Wade), Hollie Hawkins (Sean) and Jennfier Buzzell; and several great-nephews and nieces.

Joe was preceded in death by his father Forrest Luxton of Seattle, his mother Phyllis Luxton of Longview, and his stepson Robert Armstrong of Langley.

A memorial service is planned to celebrate Joe at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13 at the Island Church, 503 Cascade Ave., Langley, on Whidbey Island.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Langley Soup Kitchen. Make checks payable to Island Church (write “soup kitchen” in the memo line”). Mail to P.O. Box 322, Langley, WA 98260.