Walter Lavon Baxter of Batesville, Arkansas departed this life on February 7th, 2025 at the age of 81. He was born January 15th, 1944 in Batesville, Arkansas, the son of Roy and Geraldene Bradley Baxter.
Mr. Baxter was a 1962 graduate of Batesville High School. After graduation, he was employed by Emerson Electric White Rodgers Division in Batesville and Harrison until retirement in 2004 as Plant Manager.
He attended the Arkansas Military Academy in 1963 and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant. During his years of service in the Arkansas National Guard he commanded units at Batesville, Augusta, Newport, Beebe and Searcy. Lavon retired as the rank of Captain in 1983.
During his life he served on the Independence County Workshop Board, he was a member of the Batesville Chamber of Commerce and served on the Transportation Board. He was a member of the Pioneer Booster Club and served as the stadium announcer for the Pioneers for a number of years. He also served as the President and Coach in the Independence County Youth Athletic Association.
He grew up in the Baptist faith and was a member of West Baptist Church.
Lavon was an avid hunter and fisherman and he enjoyed drag racing. The greatest love of his life was his family and his dog, Sadie.
Lavon is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Geraldene Baxter, stepfather, Wendall Hassell; and daughter, Crystal Baxter Bradley.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Joe Ann Masner Baxter of the home; his former wife, Nancy Sheffield Baxter of Batesville; son, Steven Lavon Baxter (Melissa) of Sulphur Rock; son-in-law, John Bradley of Batesville; Stepdaughter, Alina Grammer (Eddie) of Tontitown; Stepson, Michael Foley (Mariessa) of Cave City; grandchildren, Paige Bradley, Beau Baxter, Blaine Baxter, and Bella Baxter; Step grandchildren: Garrett McSpadden (Whitney), Marina Balser (Stephen), Matthew McSpadden (Angelica), Olivia Raider (Clayton), Alissa Foley, Jaimie Low (Tyler) and Austin Grammer; two brothers: Deaun Baxter (Donna) and David Baxter; one sister, Lisa Haigwood (Malcolm) and a host of family and friends.
A special thank you to his caregivers: Dr. Ron Bates, Dr. Nathan McLaughlin, Dr. Nancy Rector and Bobbie Kinsley.
Honorary Pallbearers: Donald Fox, Larry Johnson, Linda Wood, Jo Stroud, John Atterbury, Darlene Garrison, Jason Clark, Dulce Walker, Ray Bradley, Malcolm Haigwood.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Ron Canard officiating. Burial of cremains will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 pm Saturday, February 15, 202,5 at the funeral home prior to service.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and in honor of his grandchildren donations can be made to Southside Athletic Booster Club.
