Remembering Rick Baxter

Please join my family in prayer and support for our beloved husband, father, and friend to so many. John Rickey Baxter passed away on Palm Sunday, April 5th at the age of 66. This tragedy came after only a few days of battling the Coronavirus in the hospital. His passing was indeed very sudden and unexpected for all of us. It was made all the more difficult for us as we were unable to see or visit him, but we have been deeply consoled by the outpouring of love and prayers for him and for our whole family. Although we were unable to spend the difficult days with friends and family, we knew of their closeness in prayer and affection.

Rick will be remembered for his lifelong love of hiking and the outdoors,  his legendary wrestling match with a bear, and his dedication to Baxter Softshells, his family’s famous trade. More importantly, Rick will be remembered as a loving father to his three children, Laura, Danny, and Mark; a hard worker and true friend to everyone; and a faithful and loving husband to the love of his life, Susan, of over 31 years. The love and humor with which he lived his life will be the enduring memory that each of us will cherish for many years to come.

This pandemic has wreaked havoc throughout all of the world, leaving no strangers to these difficult times, but this week, it hit so very close to home, in taking Rick so abruptly from our home and family. Knowing the difficulties all of us are immersed in, we, Rick’s family, are asking you in humility and gratitude to lend your support during this time of great need. If there is anything you can do to help cover the costs of his funeral arrangements, please know of our sincerest gratitude and prayers for you and your family. If you are unable to help at this time financially, your prayers are invaluable to us as we come together as a family and depend on the love he had in such abundance for friends and family. Thank you so much in advance for your generosity. Please know of our continued prayers for all of your family and for the safety of the first responders and those working so hard in the midst of this global crisis. God bless you.