Raymond Wylie Baxter

RAYMOND WYLIE BAXTER, passed February 3, 2005, at the age of 91. Mr. Baxter was born in Coleman, Texas to Leda Spradling Baxter and Peter Soloman Baxter. Baxter moved to Houston after college and became a sales associate with George Simpson, Realtor, actively involved in both the residential and commercial arenas. Soon to be a legend and leader in the Houston Real Estate community. Baxter opened his own office in 1950 on Memorial Drive and Wycliff. Later he partnered with Sam Swinford forming Baxter & Swinford Realtors, and opened several other offices throughout the Houston Area. Baxter had built an exemplary reputation with his firm belief that "honesty, integrity and fair play" were the absolute necessities in serving his clients. Fully understanding the various traumas with relocating, in 1967 he joined RELO, the International Relocation Network, still headquartered in Chicago and at the time was comprised of 14, 000 members throughout the nation and in foreign countries. RELO's goals and commitment were to provide help for families, corporations, and individuals both financially and emotionally. In 1968 Baxter wrote the "RELO Story, " a motivational tool which is still used today, and was elected RELO's President in 1976. He was a member of the National Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, and lifetime member of the Texas Real Estate Commission. As an active member of the Houston Board of Realtors, Baxter served as it's president in 1983. In addition, he was a member of Houston's Executive Club and Rotary Club and a founding member of the Houston Racquet Club. Baxter is survived by his wife of 68 years, Claire Baxter; brother, Peter Baxter; daughters, Kelly Stewart and Judy B. Cargill; son-in-law, Jerry Cargill; granddaughters, Deborah Berndt, and Heather Gaudin; four great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Retiring in 1997, Baxter continued his 60 years of Bible Study. The year before, he was honored by his peers as "Realtor of the Century." The award reads: "Founder of the oldest independent real estate company in Houston, Ray Baxter continues to provide leadership based on integrity and excellent service. The real estate profession is richer for his dedication and contributions, and we are the beneficiaries of his wisdom and legacy. Presented this day of October 1996 by Ken Collins, reflecting the thoughts and admiration of the Houston Realtor community." Friends are invited to visitation with the family from 2:30 P. M. until 3:30 P. M. Monday, February 7, 2005, at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road at Dairy Ashford, where funeral services will follow at 3:30 P. M. in the Chapel. Rev. Richard B. Mittanck, nephew, officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be, John Baxter, Jerry Cargill, Lee Synnott, Herman Guetersloh, Wayne Gaudin, and Bruce Synnott, III. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be, Paul Hansen, Pete S. Baxter, Jerry B. Jackson, David Hettema, John Coad, and the members of the Houston Board of Realtors.