Robert “Bob” Joseph Baxter of Phoenix passed quietly in his sleep on Saturday, January 1, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 86 years-old.
Born in Smithton, Missouri, on July 16, 1935, to Walter and Kathryn Baxter, he was the oldest of two sons. A graduate of the University of Central Missouri and a licensed pilot, he had a life-long passion for education, business and music. After moving to Phoenix more than 50 years ago, Bob became very involved in his community, serving as an officer in several government and civic-minded organizations, including the Arizona Silver Haired Legislators, the Rotary Club and the Lions Club. After retirement, he served as president of the Arizona State Retired Employees Association.
With a penchant for ancestry and history, Bob was a member of the National Society Magna Charta Dames and Barons, Arizona Division, as well as the Sons of the American Revolution and the Phoenix Corral of Westerners, in addition to other groups. An active member of the Republican Party, Bob also served eight years in the National Guard.
Among his close and dear friends, he will be remembered for his love of horses and roses, his generosity, easy-going demeanor and ability to make friends with everyone he met. He is survived by his brother, Ralph (Mary) Baxter of Olathe, Kansas, and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa on Friday, January 28, at 12:30 p.m. We love you, Bob, and will carry you in our hearts always.
I met Bob through our Western History group, The Phoenix Corral of
Westerners several years ago. What a wonderful and interesting man
he was. I will miss his friendship and occasional phone calls we had.
I will miss my occasional visits with my friend of nearly 75 years. We first met while in Jr.High School years sitting together playing the trumpet in a summer band in the Smithton, Mo. Community Park. We often visited with one another until he moved to AZ. and much less frequently thereafter, the last time being in March, 2021 in Phoenix at his home. He was a great conversationalist having a impressive knowledge of so many subjects. We were about three months apart in age. Bon voyage until we meet again, surely not too long considering our close ages. Judge Donald Barnes, Sedalia, MO
Rest in peace Bob. You will always be remembered.
I met Bob through our Western History group, The Phoenix Corral of
Westerners several years ago. What a wonderful and interesting man
he was. I will miss his friendship and occasional phone calls we had.
I will miss my occasional visits with my friend of nearly 75 years. We first met while in Jr.High School years sitting together playing the trumpet in a summer band in the Smithton, Mo. Community Park. We often visited with one another until he moved to AZ. and much less frequently thereafter, the last time being in March, 2021 in Phoenix at his home. He was a great conversationalist having a impressive knowledge of so many subjects. We were about three months apart in age. Bon voyage until we meet again, surely not too long considering our close ages. Judge Donald Barnes, Sedalia, MO
Rest in peace Bob. You will always be remembered.