Richard A. Baxter

Richard A. Baxter, age 85 of Pharr, TX, died Monday, November 14, 2016, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg, TX. He was born on Thursday, January 01, 1931, in Providence, RI, the son of Warren and Geneva (nee St. Amour) Baxter. On Saturday, December 10, 1977, he married Florence "Betty" (nee Flear) McPherson Baxter at Highland, IL, who passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 1987. He was a member of VFW Post #5694, Highland, IL (Life Member); Lee Iten Post #439-American Legion, Highland, IL; American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorist. Mr. Baxter worked for Artex International, Highland, IL, for 25 years, retiring in 1996. Since 2000 he has lived in Texas. He served with the U.S. Army, active duty in Korea, from March 1951 to March 1954. He the outdoors as a young man. Richard would often be seen skating and playing hockey on Waterman Lake in Providence on the coldest days of winter. He enjoyed his scouting adventures at Yawgoog Boy Scout Camp in Rockville, Rhode Island. Scouting was an influential experience in his life. He had a close relationship with his sister Jean Baxter Greenan who he would call on Sunday evening. In the summer, he enjoyed coming home to Rhode Island and would stay with Jean. They would take trips to Newport and Narragansett for a shore dinner treat! As a young man, Richard loved sailing and even after he left New England and moved to the middle of the country he never lost his love for the ocean. Survivors include: Daughter - Marsha Barrett, New Hampshire Daughter - Linda Whitemack, New Hampshire Daughter - Kendra Baxter, New Hampshire Son - John Baxter, New Hampshire Step Son - David A. (Jeanna) McPherson, Highland, IL Step Son - Steven H. (Joanne) McPherson, Alexandria, VA Step Daughter - Judith Hogg, Carlyle, IL Grandchildren - 6 Step Grandchildren - 9 Step Great Grandchildren - 10 Friend - George (Donna) Ellis, San Juan, TX He was preceded in death by: Father - Warren Mills Baxter Mother - Geneva Lydia Baxter, nee St. Amour Wife - Florence "Betty" (nee Flear) McPherson Baxter; died 4/14/1987 Former Wife - Dianne M. Baxter, nee Johnson (married 6/12/1951, marriage ended in divorce) Brothers - Warren Baxter, Nerrill Baxter, David Baxter Sister - Jean Phyllis Greenan Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Graveside Service will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.

Richard A. Baxter

January 1, 1931 - November 14, 2016