of Batesville, AR
January 15, 1944 - February 7, 2025
Mr. 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 at West Baptist Church.
Lavon was an avid hunter, 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, Step-father, 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 1:00pm Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Ron Canard officiating. A private burial of cremains will take place at Roselawn Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00pm Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the funeral home prior to service.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital and in honor of his grandchildren donations can be made to Southside Athletic Booster Club.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18707934161.
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35 Condolence(s)
Tom Fredricks
Friday, February 14, 2025
We'll all miss this friend. Working with Lavon for many years, you knew he was a man of his word, the job was gonna get done, count on it. Fortunately my wife and I were also able to spend many memorable times outside of work in beautiful outdoors that he was so happy to share adventures in. Looking back at so many wonderful memories of this man and his family and friends.
Brenda (Atchley) King
Friday, February 14, 2025
To The Family of Lavon Baxter,
My twin sister told me of Lavon's passing. I was sad to hear he was gone but I thought about how fortunate our family was to have known him. When we hear the name "Lavon Baxter", we immediately think of Family, Respect, Loyal, Honest and being kind to all. He loved life! He will be missed but not ever forgotten.
Brenda (Atchley) King and Linda (Atchley) Grady
Larry Johnson
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Lavon was a great friend. We hunted and fished together a lot. I probably worked for him longer than anyone at White Rodgers. He was a good supervisor but he was tough and expected a lot from his employees. I am sorry i didn’t spend more time with him the last few years.
Linda Miller
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
I worked at White Rodgers for 27yrs and Lavon was a constant figure around the plant he was always smiling and he was always friendly may the Lord walk with his family as they go through this time of sorrow and grief he's with his Lord and now will be your guardian and go out pick out a star in the sky and watch it shine bright each time you look upward to heaven.
Ron Stephens
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
To the Family Lavon and I became aquianted in 2007 , I worked for Home health , the first visit we talked and discovered a family connection , On my grandmothers side of family , we enjoyed the conversation and had several more , he and I ate lunch some and he aslo Gave me some family History he printed out , and hand delievered to me , We Even planned a trip to the old Home place , but his health was starting to hold him back , But he was a great Man , I have thought of him many times , wanting to come see him ,afraid he wasn't up to it , Words can not fill a void he has left , but memories can help for a moment , Trust our Father in Heaven to bring you through ! And Just know we care !!
Dale Luster
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Lavon was such a wonderful man. I would see my father (Noel) light-up with joyous enthusiasm when he was about to embark on another adventure with Lavon. The Fishing, Hunting, Camps and such. A genuine loving gentleman. Lavon would make the people he met feel welcome while expressing a special interest in them. Always humble, his kindness wasn't limited to people, as he would also afford the animals / pets around him the time of day too. It literally makes me smile out loud when I think of Lavon. What a great person's life to celebrate.
Steve Hampton
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
I have known Lavon for many years and considered him a friend. I worked with him at White Rodgers in the early 70's and served with him in the AR Army National Guard. We both attended West Baptist Church and live on the same street (Debra) for several years. On a hunting and camping trip to the Sylamore National Forest, I got to eat some of the bear he killed on a hunting trip. My thoughts and prayers are with the family!
Louise Keene Hooper
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless and comfort you .
Linda Sheffield
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. LaVon was always so nice to Boyce and me when we would see him. Boyce really thought a lot of LaVon. Keeping all of you in my prayers in the coming days and weeks. He is with Chrystal now.
Betty Burge Cockrill
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Lavon. I pray our Heavenly Father wraps His loving arms around each of you and gives you peace and comfort during the difficult times.
Mary Matthews
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Baxter. He was a very good man.
My mother, Jeanette Snapp worked as Accounting Manager at White Rogers & knew Lavon & considered him a friend, as many others did too. She & Lavon had something in common they both had breathing problems later in life & both lived on Maple Street. When he would find some inhaler that would work well for him, he would pass on the information to my mom. She would see him doing pretty good on it & this would give mother some new hope, that she might could get a little more relieve & become somewhat active., too. This happened a few times.
He is now breathing well, pain free & with his daughter, Crystal & others that had passed earlier. I'm so sorry for his family & friends here & am praying for you all.
LINDA WACKERLY
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Loved Mr. B
I worked with him for many years at White-Rodgers. He always had a smile, and something funny to tell me every time I saw him. I will miss you Mr. B, You are walking the streets of gold now. Love and prayers to all of his family....
Larry Bone
Monday, February 10, 2025
God be with Lavon’s family and friends. As a high school classmate he was a great part of our 1962 class. It is good to read about his life since I didn’t get to see him except at class reunions.
Jimmy and Ladene Bray
Monday, February 10, 2025
Joeann, Steve and family,
Jimmy and I are so sorry for your loss. Lavon was a great friend and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Alan Vickery
Monday, February 10, 2025
In our thoughts and prayers,
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery
Lisa Gardner Taylor
Monday, February 10, 2025
Lavon was always like family. My mom and dad and Lavon and Nancy spent many Saturday nights playing cards together at our house. He will truly be missed. Love you guys
Sue Lackey
Monday, February 10, 2025
RIP, you will be missed. Prayers for family and friends.
Janice Fuller
Monday, February 10, 2025
I'm so sorry for his passing prayers for his family. I'm thankful he is with his daughter now
Jerry N Shipman
Monday, February 10, 2025
Worked for Lavon at White Rodgers. Spent a lot of time with him going to football games. He was a friend to me I wish I had kept up with him over the years.
Laura Martin
Monday, February 10, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. Lavon was was a wonderful man. I have a lot of great memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Laura
Leveta Gist
Monday, February 10, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family
TOMMY L KRAMERi was
Monday, February 10, 2025
I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF LAVONS PASSING HE WAS A FINE PERSON I SERVED WITH HIM IN THE NATIONAL GUARD MANY YEARS PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY
Patsy Simpson & Gayla Simpson Hopson
Monday, February 10, 2025
So Sorry for Loss of Your Husband & Best Friend! Our Condolences, Love & Prayers
Jerry and Connie Townsley
Monday, February 10, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. Lavon was a devoted father and grandfather. We were neighbors for many years. May God bless you all
Sherry Presley
Monday, February 10, 2025
Charles and I are so sorry to hear this news. We sure enjoyed getting to know Lavon and all the grandparents as we watched our grandsons play baseball all those summers. Prayers for the family.
Andy O'Rourke
Monday, February 10, 2025
So sorry to hear of Lavon's passing. He was a nice man and great guy to work for (and with) for so many years at White Rodgers. He taught me how to yo-yo fish for crappie. I feel blessed just to have known him. Prayers for his family.
Laura Robertson
Monday, February 10, 2025
I worked with Lavon at White Rodgers many years so nice prayers for Joanna and the family
Jo Stroud
Monday, February 10, 2025
Lavon was a great friend to me, sometimes like a brother. I will miss him, but I know he is not struggling to breath anymore. He fought so long and hard. He loved life and lived it to his fullest. He loved his family and being involved in all of their activities. He loved White Rodgers and worked tirelessly to make sure everything ran smoothly. He loved America and served his country faithfully. I feel blessed to call him friend. I’m not saying goodby Lavon, just I will see you later.
Sherry Lawrence
Monday, February 10, 2025
I’m so very for your loss of this wonderful man. He and Tate had some great times together!
Jacqui and Scott McSpadden
Monday, February 10, 2025
Steve and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you with great memories.
Love, Scott and Jacqui
Sherri Hughes
Monday, February 10, 2025
Mr. Baxter was such a good and kind person, he truly loved this community and supporting programs for our youth. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Ina Lee Henley
Monday, February 10, 2025
I remember when Lavon owned a farm at Charlotte and he passed by our road every day. He stopped and ask my son Bryan who was a catcher to come to Batesville and play Babe Ruth for him. He was the coach. Bryan loved Lavon, Crystal and Steven. They became extended family. He was respected and loved by us all...so sorry for your loss..
Ina provence
Monday, February 10, 2025
Family, so sorry to hear of Lavon passing !! He was a great guy whom I work for for many years !!! Prayers for all of u now and later !!!
Barbara Bell
Monday, February 10, 2025
I worked with Lavon at White Rodgers for many years! So sorry to hear of him passing away! He was always a friendly and nice person ! Prayers for his family!
Carolyn Matheny Wammack
Monday, February 10, 2025
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May God be with them the days ahead.