Thomas Baxter

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a loving soul, Thomas Elisha Baxter, Jr., who peacefully left us on September 19, 2025. Born in Meridian, Texas on September 30, 1950, to Thomas Sr. and Ruby Baxter, Thomas, or Tommy as he was affectionately known, was a beacon of reliability and loyalty. His life was characterized by a profound generosity of spirit that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Thomas was a devoted husband to Sharon Lisman Baxter, his beloved wife of 53 years, and a doting father to his son, Marcus Baxter, and daughter-in-law, Kristi Baxter. A man of deep love, his grandsons, Will and Eli, were the apple of his eye. He was often seen at their baseball and basketball games, cheering with the enthusiasm of a man whose heart was full. Thomas was a dedicated employee at Chapparal/Gerdau Steel, where he served as a Slide Gate Maintenance worker until his retirement in 2021. As a 3rd Degree Master Mason at the Ennis Masonic Lodge in Ennis, Texas, Thomas exemplified the values of fraternity, truth, and charity.

Thomas's life was an embodiment of the saying, "The family is one of nature's masterpieces." His family was his pride and joy, and he spent his life creating a strong foundation of love and nurturing for them. He found solace in the tranquility of nature, often going hunting and fishing. His fondness for jeeps was well known, and he enjoyed the thrill and adventure they offered. His love for his family, his loyalty to his friends and colleagues, and his passion for the great outdoors were the hallmarks of his life.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Lisman Baxter; son and daughter-in-law, Marcus Grant Baxter and Kristi Allen Baxter of Palmer, Texas; Grandsons, Thomas William Baxter and James Elisha Baxter, both of Palmer, Texas; brother, Keith Baxter and wife Tammi Baxter, of Midlothian, Texas along with extended family, many nieces and nephews as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Sr. and Ruby Baxter, as well as his daughter, Stacy Baxter, his in-laws, James and Sylvia Lisman and brother-in-law, Jimmy Lisman. His memory will live on in the hearts of his loving wife, son, daughter-in-law, and treasured grandsons. His life will be celebrated at a visitation on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 6:00pm CDT at the Midlothian Funeral Home, 200 East Avenue East, Midlothian, Texas, 76065. A funeral service will follow on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:00am CDT at the same venue. Burial will take place at 12:30pm CDT at Palmer Cemetery, 301 East Lamar, Palmer, Texas, 75152.

In honor of Thomas Baxter's life, we encourage everyone to leave treasured memories, stories and upload photos to his memorial page. His story is a tapestry woven with the threads of love, loyalty, and generosity, and your memories help to complete this picture of a life beautifully lived.