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Richard Baxter Obituary
Born in Philadelphia to the late Edward M. and Ethel Lillian (nee Krein) Baxter, Dick was raised in Springfield and was a 1947 graduate of Springfield High School and a 1951 graduate of Temple University.
He was married to his loving wife, Barbara (nee Wallace), for nearly 59 years. Together they raised three children.
Dick was a well-known real estate developer in Chester and Delaware counties. He was a founder of the Chester County Home Builders Association and an active board member of the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Home Builders associations.
He was a member of the Naval Air Reserve and a licensed pilot.
Dick was an avid tennis player at the Upper Main Line YMCA and Hershey's Mill Country Club. He was the proud author of "Baxter Times Past." He was a longtime Eagles season ticket holder, a licensed pilot, a certified scuba diver and equestrian.
Dick enjoyed summers in Sea Isle City and winters in Siesta Key, Sarasota, Fla.; he also enjoyed traveling and explored many countries on six continents.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (nee Wallace); his dear children, Richard A. Baxter (Deborah F.), David E. Baxter and Beth Ann Baxter-Henne (Dirk); and his grandchildren, Chelsea Baxter, Kyle Baxter, Lindsey Baxter, Courtney Baxter, Barbara Ann Henne, Meredith Henne, Sarabeth Henne, Blake Baxter, Abby Henne, Amanda Baxter, Grant Henne and Hannah Baxter.
He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Baxter; and his sister, Ethel Durst.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, 610-431-9000, and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, 130 W. Miner St., West Chester, and to his funeral service at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the church.
Interment will be in Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dick's memory to Paradise Farm Camps, 1300 Valley Creek Road, Downingtown, PA 19335, would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be made at www.donohuefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Baxter
Sarabeth Henne
December 12, 2013
It's so beautiful to see all these posts remembering my grandfather. It truly warms my heart to see them around this holiday season, our first without him. Not a day goes by that I don't think of Papa Dick and his skinny legs or his absurd flirting with the nurses at the hospitals. I can almost still hear his usual "I love you so much" whispered into his grandchildren's' ears when he hugged before he left a family gathering. I miss you tons, Papa Dick, and fly high! We all lost a true hero on February 22, 2013.
Wayne Congar
September 9, 2013
Just learned of Dick's passing and offer my belated condolences to his family and huge circle of friends and admirers. Have very fond memories of our tennis matches years ago
Patricia Kostura
March 3, 2013
Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family.
Phyllis Montoro - Kostura
March 3, 2013
I was sorry to learn the passing of the patriarch in the Baxter family. I could sense the pride and love Mr. Baxter felt for his family when he spoke. He worked hard throughout his life building his niche in this world. Papa Dick earned the respect and love of his family. Over the decades I knew him he seemed to enjoyed life and what it had to offer. I am glad I was able to see him recently at my mother's birthday / super bowl party. He will be missed, but not forgotten. My prayers are with his family.
M Smith
February 27, 2013
To the Baxter family, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dick he will be greatly missed. May you seek the peace and comfort that God gives in times of sorrow.
February 27, 2013
Dick arrived at my door in Ireland over 10 years ago, looking for his roots. We became instant friends -I've enjoyed every minute of that friendship since - we will greatly miss him. Luke Baxter, Longford, Ireland
Dick Groff
February 26, 2013
Had many morning cofffee's with Dick at WC diner, always bright and cheerful, good person to everyone
February 26, 2013
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Jane & Ray Smith
February 25, 2013
Dick will be missed greatly at Turtle Bay. He was so much fun. I will never forget his greeting to me as he bowed, kissed my hand and called me "Lady Jane". I loved the way he adored Barbara. What a sense of humor he had. He was special and unique.
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