Donald W. Baxter

1941 - 2026

Donald W. "Don" Baxter, age 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026, at IU Bloomington Hospice House. He was a longtime resident of Brown County.

Don was born on April 28, 1941, in Richlands, Virginia, to the late Woodrow Wilson Baxter and Helen Elizabeth (McGuire) Baxter. He graduated in 1959 from Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market, Virginia.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He enlisted in 1961 and served as an Airman First Class during the Vietnam War. Demonstrating his continued dedication and loyalty to his country, he re-enlisted in 1971 and served as a Staff Sergeant with the 305th Air Mobility Wing, supporting strategic airlift and air refueling operations. He was honorably discharged in 1975 and continued his service in the United States Air Force Reserves until 1979.

Following his military career, Don worked as a civilian mechanic from 1983 to 1989 at Lockheed Martin at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, Georgia. He later retired in 1996 as an engineer for Alfa Laval in Indianapolis.

Don was a member of Brown County American Legion Post #13, the Brown County Antique Tractor & Machinery Club, and Ducks Unlimited. He had a passion for photography, both during his military service and in his personal life. He also enjoyed NASCAR, watching Jeopardy, and The Lawrence Welk Show. Above all, Don loved his family deeply and had a special place in his heart for his many cats.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Susan M. (Campbell) Baxter, whom he married on October 14, 1967, in Columbus; his daughter, Amber Reyes of Bloomington; his granddaughter, Lily Grace Reyes of Bloomington; and his brother, James Wilson "Pete" (Shenna) Baxter of Largo, Florida.

Inurnment will take place at the Crown Hill National Cemetery in Indianapolis on Wednesday, April 8th at 1 p.m. with military rites presented by the United States Air Force and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Military Honor Guard. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meredith Funeral Home, Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.

Memorial contributions may be made in Don's memory to the Humane Society of Brown County, 128 South State Road 135, Nashville, IN 47448.

Condolences may be shared with the family at meredithfuneral .com.

Don will be remembered for his steadfast loyalty, his years of honorable service to his country, and his deep love for family and home.