Javan Calton, 83

Javan Calton, 83

Forest Javan Calton, 83, of the Sunshine community, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. He was born on April 27, 1942, in the family homeplace where he lived until his last year on earth.

He was the son of the late Fitzhugh Lee Calton and Hattie Koone Calton, and was also preceded in death by his brother F.L. Calton and sisters Martha C. Lockey, Dorthy C. Melton, and Faye C. Brackett.

Javan was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ann Heafner Calton; daughter Wendy C. Hodge (George) of Sunshine; son Jon Calton (Glenda) of Sunshine; and daughter Paula C. Davis (Tim) of Forest City.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Tripp Hodge (Blair), Emilee Lindsay (Caleb), Cameron Hodge (Karsyn), Nathan Calton, Lea Calton, Mackenna Davis, and Huntley Davis; and two great-grandchildren - Elizabeth Hodge and Elliott Hodge.

Javan spent his life farming, and both his character and his craft were shaped by the land he called home. In 1964, at the age of 22, he took over the operations of his family farm on Calton Road. Javan, along with his wife Ann, operated the dairy farm for decades and worked long hours to faithfully support his family. Javan proudly served on the Board of Directors for Rutherford County Farm Bureau from 1967-2024. As a respected advocate for farmland preservation and soil and water conservation, he championed responsible land management long before it became common practice. Javan’s influence on local agriculture and the community he loved will endure for generations.

Known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and ability to make anyone feel like an old friend, Javan truly never met a stranger. Whether delivering food, lending a hand in a crisis, or simply sharing a laugh, he was always ready to help others in any way he could.

Javan loved his family, his community and his church. He was a faithful member of Cedar Grove Fellowship Church. He was a man of quiet strength, genuine kindness, and deep integrity. He loved tending cattle, walking the fields at sunrise and sharing stories with neighbors. He lived simply, humbly, and purposefully - always grateful for the life he was given.

The Funeral will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Cedar Grove Fellowship Church, with Pastor Jason Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Tripp Hodge, Cameron Hodge, Nathan Calton, Huntley Davis, Caleb Lindsay, Chris Toms, Randy Calton, Mike Melton, and Don Melton. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to: Cedar Grove Fellowship Church, PO Box 278, Bostic, NC 28018