Bradley O. Baxter

Bradley O. Baxter, 79, lifelong Rockford resident, died at 2:19 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011 in Kindred Hospital, Sycamore. Born November 10, 1931, son of Charlie A. and Daisy G. Blough Baxter. Attended Buckbee and Lincoln Schools, then graduated from East High School in 1949. Married Boots Vogle Beebe on December 7, 1983. Served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was the recipient of a Bronze Star. He began a long , hard working career at the age of 15 when he began helping at Stephenson's Animal Clinic, and then was involved with the family owned business of Baxter Farm Supply and Implement. He had also co-owned the Lawn and Garden Center and was a realtor. He retired in 1995 as Head Groundskeeper from Swedish American Hospital. Throughout his life, farming was his passion and that helped generate his love of tractors, planting trees, flowers and all aspects of nature. He was also a Master Gardener. Active member of Brooke Road United Methodist Church where he could be counted on to help in any way he was needed. He and Boots went on numerous Mission Trips to South Dakota to help those less fortunate. He was a member of the Cherry Valley Masonic Lodge and was a Shriner since 1961. Founding member of Cherry Valley Fire Department's Log Cabin Arbor Station and was a volunteer firefighter for many years. He was a long-time donor to the Rock River Valley Blood Center and a volunteer for the Jubilee Center. Brad lived life in a large, fun way and was an active participant in celebrating life and sharing it with everyone around him. His family was always his first priority and he put much energy in creating wonderful memories in the lives of his family. Everyone who stepped into his life became a friend. He had a special way of teaching life lessons to his family and his generosity was felt by many. His artistic, creative skills allowed him to be able to fix anything with few materials. Throughout his life, he was often put in certain places at the times when he was needed the most in order to be able to save a life. This happened many times. Brad was like a ray of brightness, always positive and joyful. One of his most valuable traits was the incredible respect that he had for his fellow human beings. Survivors include his wife, Boots; children, Susie (Don) Ullrich, Shawn Baxter, Mickey (Kerry) Heinzeroth, Joanie (Gary) Chylak, Janie Hogan, Brenda (Brad) Erwin, Brad (Teresa) Beebe and Chris Beebe; grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Michele, Lisa, Kyle, Kristen, Ryan, Kelsey, Anna, Jack, Tara, Michelle, Matt, Heather, Stephanie and Bradley; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Austin, Josh, Nick, Andrew, Addy, Austin, Marissa, Asher, Amber and Trent; brother, Lowell (Ruth) Baxter and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; brother, Maynard (Alma) Baxter and sister, Vivian (Paul) Warner.A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2011 in Brooke Road United Methodist Church with Rev. Christopher T. Druce Jones officiating. Visitation from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at which time a Masonic Service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Brooke Road United Methodist Church, 1404 Brooke Rd., Rockford, IL. 61109. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.