Richard Baxter

Richard Mark Baxter, 85, of Abilene, TX passed away Monday, August 22, 2022, in Abilene, TX.

A funeral service will be held Friday, August 26, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 US HWY 277 S, Abilene, TX. Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. A visitation will be held Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home Family Center.

Richard was born on February 15, 1937, in Stamford, TX to the late Arnold Baxter and Faye Holloway Baxter. He was a graduate of the 1956 class of Anson High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army including a tour in Germany. Richard loved life and enjoyed different careers throughout his lifetime. In his lifetime he worked as a farmer and was successful in heavy equipment sales with Caterpillar, auto sales with Arrow Ford, at which time he gained his pilot’s license and served as the pilot for the dealership. He also started a trucking company that operated for many years. His biggest passion was buying, refurbishing, and selling aircraft and being a member of the confederate air force with his fellow veterans. He also loved land development. Richard was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He never missed a game or activity of the kids or grandkids and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Richard dated and married Betty Alston and they deeply loved each other for 35 years. Richard enjoyed spending time in Ruidoso, NM and attending the yearly Cowboy Reunion in Stamford. He and Betty spent many evenings dancing and enjoying their love of music, especially Willie Nelson. Richard was an avid gun collector and gave many of his grandchildren their first gun. He was a lifetime member of Anson First Baptist church and a faithful Christian. Richard was also a very strong supporter of Donald Trump, conservatism, and would have gladly cast his vote for Trump in the upcoming presidential election. He was known as a fantastic storyteller and had a memory like an elephant.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Betty; children, Teri Vestal and husband Rick, Carla Whitehead and husband Steve, Stacey Phillips and husband Rob; Dona Westerman and husband KC, Landra Worthington; grandchildren, Ryon Vestal and wife Sara, Meredith Crump and husband Justin, Mark Baxter and wife Jacalyn, Rhett Vestal and wife Jessica, Kriston Spencer, Dayna Farmer and husband Danny, Chris Whitehead and wife Kristen, Lexi Harvey, Chelsea Phillips, Chrissy Doan and husband Donovan, Seth Phillips, Cassandre Shepherd and husband Jeremy, Chy Anne Collinsworth and husband Will; 29 great grandchildren; daughter in-law Claire Baxter, honorary brother, Marlin Alston; honorary son, Heath Polasek; nieces, Tamala Hennington and husband Wayne, Stephanie Easterling, and husband Bobby; numerous extended family and dear friends.

Richard was also preceded in death by a son, Steven Baxter and a daughter, Tona Worthington, and his first wife of 26 years, Betty Moss.