William "Bill" Baxter's Obituary
Funeral services for William R. Baxter, 83, will be held Monday, January 21, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Radar Funeral Home in Longview with Pastor Kevin Bright officiating. Graveside services will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Longview. Bill passed away Friday, January 18, 2013 at a local nursing home.
Bill was born on April 16, 1929 to Connie Jackson Baxter and Ella Stratton Baxter in Zama, MS. He was a member of Oakland Heights Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and was a long time teacher of a men's class. Bill married Helen Duffey Baxter in November 1962 and they had just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Bill served two tours with the Navy. In between the tours he attended Embry-Riddle School of Aviation in Miami, Florida earning his commercial pilot and certified aircraft and engine mechanic licenses. Following his second tour of duty with the Navy, Bill attended Louisiana Tech University where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. His career followed many paths but one of the most interesting was his time spent working for GE at the Houston Space Center during the early years of NASA's space program. His favorite job was with General Dynamics in Lone Star where he was involved in wind tunnel projects for the Navy.
He had a natural talent for drawing and painting and enjoyed painting portraits of grandchildren as well as children in his neighborhood and church. He also enjoyed reading and was an avid history buff, especially of the WWII Pacific battles. He served as Webelos and Cub Scout Master when his sons were young.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Connie J. Baxter. He is survived by his wife, Helen; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Gayla Baxter of Carrollton; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Gayla Baxter of Kilgore; daughter, Julie Baxter of Tyler; four grandchildren, Brian, Blake and Brooke Baxter of Carrollton and Blair Baxter of Kilgore. Also surviving him are a sister, Virginia Ratcliff of Junction City, LA; nephew and wife, John and Jerri Ratcliff of El Dorado, AR; niece and husband, Liz and Kenneth Post of El Dorado, AR; and several great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00pm today, Sunday, January 20, at Radar Funeral Home in Longview. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Benevolence Fund at Oakland Heights Baptist Church.
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