Baxter

After a long battle with congestive heart failure, at the age of 90, Jack Donald "Don" Baxter passed at Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio Texas on April 4, 2024.

Don was born in Olney, Texas in 1934, and like many families at that time, the Baxter's moved around West Texas working the cotton fields and oil fields. Don started picking cotton at 8 years old and was running an oil crew at 17. As soon as Don turned 18, he joined the Navy and served on the USS Essex, where he roamed the world.

Returning to Graham, he met and married Wanda Freeze Hogan on Oct. 3, 1956. The couple and 3 children moved to Dallas where Don joined and then retired after 25 years from the Dallas Fire Department. Don was a contractor and entrepreneur, and a Jack of all trades. He was never still, always moving to create new business opportunities. Don loved music, family, and anything that put him outdoors in the sun. His grandchildren were the loves of his life. He was the center of everyone's lives and loved beyond imagination.

Don is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Pearl Baxter, his father Holloway (Jock) Sanders Baxter, and mother Edith Littlejohn Baxter, great-grandsons Levi Morse, Michael Brawley, and Brendon Brawley, and nephews David Baxter, Jimmy Baxter, Jackie Baxter, and Shane Bowen.

Don is survived by his brothers, Elick Baxter of Tool TX, James Baxter of Spout Springs VA, Ray Baxter of Orlando Fl. and a sister Pam Bowen of Mabank TX. He was a wonderful father, leaving behind a son Edward Baxter, and two daughters, Jeanell Morse and Rodney of Saraland AL, and Tammy Stewart and Dave of Seguin TX. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at noon on Friday, April 12, 2024, at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home in Graham, Texas, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm, with Pastor Wayne Hardin officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Belknap Cemetery near Graham.

His family will be present to welcome friends and loved ones.