PEORIA - Robert J. Baxter, 83, of Peoria passed away at 5:25 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, at his home with his family by his side.
He was born May 20, 1929, in Galesburg, Ill., to Richard L. and Helen C. (Yearnshaw) Baxter. He married Ida Lou Smith in Pekin on Aug. 14, 1949. She preceded him in death on Nov. 8, 2007.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Debra Jean McKown; and niece, Sheril Smith.
He is survived by two sons, Ric (Virginia) Baxter of Peoria Heights and Robert M. Baxter of Peoria; seven grandchildren, Daniel, Jennifer, Joseph, Summer Anne, Drew, Emily and Elizabeth; five great-grandchildren, Finn, Isabella, Jacob, James and Stori; and one sister, Barbara (George) Beres of Pekin.
Robert worked at the First Financial Bank in Pekin, retiring in January of 1994 as branch manager after 43 years of service.
He was a member of the Peoria Elks Lodge 20 for over 40 years, the Peoria Chapter Financial Education Institute, the Peoria Chapter of Real Estate Appraisers, the Peoria High Boosters Club, and formerly taught Little League baseball and biddy basketball.
The family would like to acknowledge the special care they received from Harbor Light Hospice.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Cremation will be accorded.
Memorial contributions may be made to the
.
Online condolences may be made at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com.
