JEFFREY BAXTER

JEFFREY BAXTER 01/21/1948 - 08/14/2025 Jeffrey Lynn Baxter, 77, of Leavenworth, Kan., formerly Great Bend, Kan., passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Jeff (Lynn) was born on January 21, 1948, in Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hiram and Patricia Baxter (Younkin), his sister Nancy Baxter and his son Jordan Lance Baxter. A devoted educator, passionate reader, and gifted writer, he touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of learning, kindness, and family. For over 36 years, Jeff dedicated himself to teaching with compassion, integrity, and an unshakable belief in the power of education. His classroom was a place of curiosity and encouragement, where generations of students were inspired not only to learn but to think deeply and care for others. To his colleagues and students alike, he was more than a teacher, he was a mentor, a listener, a friend. Jeff (Coach Baxter) was a passionate sports enthusiast. He played varsity basketball at Great Bend High School before continuing his career at University of Kansas. While he loved all sports, he was especially dedicated to the ones his children participated in, including soccer, basketball, gymnastics, diving, pole vaulting, swimming, and running. Early in his career, he coached women's basketball at Immaculata High School and Leavenworth High School, proudly leading many student athletes to the state stage. But his greatest pride came from cheering on his children, and later, his grandchildren. Jeff is a legend in the Kansas Department of Education. His many accolades include: 2014 Kansas Teacher of the Year 2015 ECET2 National Symposium (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) 2015 NEA Global Fellows Project Member 2017 Inspirational Teacher of the Year 2018 Inductee, National Teachers Hall of Fame He was also the author of More Than One Way Home, a memoir that reflected not only his life, but also his heart. Outside the classroom, Jeff was a writer who found joy, therapy and meaning in the written word. Whether crafting stories, reflections, or essays, he used writing to explore the world around him and to make sense of life's beauty and complexity. An avid reader, Jeff's shelves brimmed with books, each a window offering a glimpse into a world he was eager to understand. He is survived by the love of his life of over 54 years, Connie Baxter (Zenor) and his brother and sister-in-law Charlie and Karen Baxter, sister and brother-in-law Lori and Jeff Underwood, his brother Alan and his 10 nieces and nephews. He is the proud and loving father of three children: Dustin and Sarah Baxter, son and daughter-in-law; Trent and Tara Talley son-in-law and daughter; and Kenny and Olivia Natelli, son-in-law and daughter. His greatest joy came from watching his children parent his eight grandchildren with kindness, patience, compassion and love. He was a constant source of inspiration, encouragement, and thoughtfully chosen books (each inscribed with a heartfelt note) to his grandchildren: Haley, Hunter, Wyatt, Avery, Arthur, Aurora, Magdalyn and Nova who adored their grandfather and will forever carry his stories and spirit in their hearts. Jeff will be remembered for his warmth, his gentle humor (often punctuated by his unmistakable laugh) and his unwavering belief in the goodness of people. He leaves behind a family who loves him deeply and a community forever enriched by his presence.. Visitation will be from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday, August 29 at Davis Funeral Chapel. The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Leavenworth High School auditorium. The family welcomes both flowers and donations made in Jeff's name to the National Network of State Teachers of the Year in honor of his lifelong commitment to the craft of education. https://give.donationpay.org/nnstoy/donations/ Condolences may be left on his website at https://www.baxterljeffrey.com/.