"What a great uncle and educator he was! Our mom's baby brother! He, being only 15 when I was born, became an active part of my life. Even in 7th grade when he was my MATH teacher! When my family lived in Gurnee, IL, we got to know his family and my cousins much better! They, also, were more acquainted with my 2-3 yr. old at that time! I loved talking to him and Aunt Mary on the phone and sending cards! I will miss our long talks and learning more from him! I'm so glad I was able to attend his services and see the cousins once again! Before we hung up, he'd always say, "Well, see ya' later alligator, and I'd reply, as now, "After while, Crocodile!" With love, thoughts and prayers."
In loving memory of
Raymond Baxter
March 13, 2018
Raymond Paul Baxter, age 90, of Waukegan, IL, and formerly of Hamilton, IL, died Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in Hinsdale, IL.
Raymond was born in Hamilton, Illinois, the son of Ernest Ray and Goldie Mildred Nolan Baxter. He married Mary Ann Holford on December 27, 1953 in Quincy, IL. She preceded him in death on April 14, 2016.
Raymond was a graduate of Hamilton High School, where he participated in football, basketball, and band. He also graduated from Carthage College with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education. Raymond also attended Northern Illinois University, where he earned his Master's degree and completed other post-graduate course work.
Raymond taught Math at Hull Junior High, where he was also a basketball and track coach. He also taught Math at Hamilton High School. Raymond served as the Assistant Principal for Student Affairs in East Aurora High School, in Aurora, IL. He then took the position of Assistant Principal for Business Affairs at Waukegan High School, where he would eventually become Principal.
Raymond was a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He was also a member of the Hamilton Alumni Association. He was active in that group until 2014, but he continued to enjoy the friendships that he made there. He was also a member of the Carthage
College Alumni Association Football Booster, Augustana College Football Booster, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Baseball Booster, and Waukegan Retired Teachers Association. He and Mary Ann were both super fans and enjoyed all of these sports activities together.
Raymond loved playing the trumpet, and in his younger years, he enjoyed playing in Big Band combos. He was also an avid hobbyist carpenter. He built the first house that he and Mary Ann lived in, from the crawlspace to the plumbing and electric to the framing and finishing carpentry. He also built many beds, cabinets, and shelves, as well as an insulated dog house and three car seats for the kids.
Survivors include: three children, Sarah (George) Mara of Woodridge, IL; Craig Baxter of Waukegan, IL; and Lisa (Shane) Solberg of Waukesha, WI; seven grandchildren: Melissa, Meridith, Melanie, and Robert Mara; and Ryan (Angela), Eric, and Ashley Solberg; a sister-in-law, Lois Holford (Arthur) Lepper of Quincy; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters and their husbands: Virginia (David) Nixon; and Gladys (Gilford) Hanson; great-nephew, Darrin Miller; his parents-in-law, Roy and Irma Holford; and three brothers-in-law and their wives: Marvin (Frances) Holford, Loren (Florence) Holford; and Eugene (Irma) Holford.
Services: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Luther Memorial Church with Rev. Tony Metz officiating.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Luther Memorial Church.
Memorials: American Kidney Fund
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Sarah, Lisa, your families, and Craig - my heartfelt condolences; so sorry for your loss. What a great man your dad, my uncle, was. He will be missed by us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"My condolences to Raymond's entire family. While I do not know his children, I do know his nieces, nephews and cousins at Hamilton. My parents were part of the pinochle card club with Ernest and Goldie many years ago. Treasure the many memories! My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"RIP Uncle Ray"