Jack Baxter

JACK SIDNEY BAXTER

1936 - 2023

Jack Sidney Baxter, 87, of Freeport passed away peacefully Sunday, June 25th at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 12, 1936 in Freeport to Perry and Zoe (Clark) Baxter.

He joined the Army National Guard soon after his graduation from Lanark High School in 1954. He left the guard in 1967 when his new job with the Freeport Fire Department conflicted with drills.

He retired from the Department in the early 90’s after 25 years of service and reaching the position of Deputy Chief.

He was married to Mary-Ellen DeLong in Lake City, IA on August 5, 1962.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jill (Robert) Rogers, and his step-sister Caralee (Conrad) Aschenbrenner.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, daughters Stacey (Pete) Clark, Freeport and Regan Baxter, Columbia, MD; son Brett Baxter, Enterprise, AL; and grandsons John and Nicholas Baxter.

Jack was a man of many hobbies. In his younger years, he had a pilot’s license and sometimes flew his young family to visit his wife’s parents in Iowa. Then he took up sky diving and did several parachute jumps. When he got older, he switched to flying radio-controlled model planes.

He had a talent for woodworking and built and sold muzzle-loading rifles. He also made beautiful baskets from red willow.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and sometimes just sitting out in nature.

He belonged to several organizations but was especially proud to be a Freemason.

Jack Baxter seemed to know everyone. He had a knack for getting his picture in the paper. He loved blueberry pie. He claimed to hate cats but cats sure loved him. On road trips, he had no issues with pulling over and asking for directions. He enjoyed feeding the squirrels that would come to the back yard.

Memorial services will be 11:00 am Friday July 7, 2023 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Pastor Frank Lay will officiate. Visitation 9:00 am until the time of service at the church.

Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Freeport Memorial Hospital, the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center, FHN Supportive Care and the FHN hospice workers for the excellent care they gave him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society in Jack’s memory.