Ralph "Bud" Baxter

Ralph “Bud” Baxter, passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with cancer, on April 7, 2025. Bud was born in his grandpa’s home on August 4, 1937 in Smithton, Missouri to Walter “Pete” Baxter and Kathryn Wood Baxter. He grew up on the family farm there and attended Smithton High School, graduating in 1955. In October, 1955 he joined the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Sergeant at the time of his honorable discharge in April 1963.

In 1957, he graduated from United Electronic Lab in Louisville, KY as an Electronics Technician. and moved to Warrensburg, MO. It is there that he met the love of his life, Mary Alean Brant. They married on April 2, 1959, and just celebrated 66 years of marriage. In May 1961, their daughter Sheryl was born and in 1962 they moved to Hays, KS where Bud began working for KAYS-TV station as an electrical Engineer. In August of 1964, their son Steve was born. In 1969 Bud left KAYS to become the Chief Engineer at Fort Hays State University, until his retirement in 2000. He and Mary then moved to Olathe, KS to be near family and remained there until his death.

Bud made many friends, when in his spare time, he began working on electronic equipment for many residents and businesses in and around Hays. He is remembered as a devoted father and grandpa to his children and grandchildren, good friend and a servant of the Lord. He will always be remembered as someone who had a smile for everyone with a positive, optimistic outlook.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents, Walter H and Kathryn Baxter, and his brother Robert. He is survived by his loving wife Mary of 66 years, his two children Sheryl (Neal) Blythe, Arvada, CO and Steven (Joielin) Baxter, Olathe, KS along with 4 grandchildren- Megan (John) Fulcher, Westminster, CO, Amy (Ernie) Mendez, New Braunfels, TX, Ryan (Juan) Baxter, Seattle, WA, Sean (Dianna) Baxter, Austin, TX and 8 great-grandchildren Madison, Hunter, Delaney, Leila, Emery, Veronica, Calvin and Luca.

A private family service will be held at a later date.