JOHN O. BAXTER

JOHN O. BAXTER
September 2, 1927 - July 24, 2025
John Otis Baxter, a historian, rancher, and family man, passed away peacefully at age 97 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Born in Chicago, John spent summers on his grandfather's Montana ranch, where he developed a lifelong love of ranching. After graduating from Princeton, he returned to Montana to work as a cattle rancher-and had great fun competing in rodeos as a team roper.
He eventually settled in New Mexico, where he earned a Ph.D. in history and became a respected research historian and author on the American Southwest. His books and preservation work on New Mexico's cultural and water history are widely recognized.
During his 56 years living in Santa Fe, John had a very rich social life. An avid outdoorsman and birder, he was a member of the hiking group known as the Santa Fe Chile and Marching Society, and he made frequent trips to the Bosque del Apache and several trips to the Grand Canyon.
A music lover, he regularly attended the Santa Fe Opera, knew the lyrics to countless country songs, and enjoyed listening to Tejano tunes on road trips with his daughters throughout New Mexico. John looked forward to evenings on the dance floor at La Fonda, and-if one watches closely-it's possible to see him in a couple of scenes in the movie Silverado.
He will be remembered for his intellectual rigor, storytelling, love of the land, and dedication to family and friends.
John is survived by his wife, Betty Baxter; daughters, Sarah Baxter (Jeremy Shields) and Betsy Baxter; grandson, John Baxter; stepdaughters, Sophie Martin (Brian Carnes) and Claire Martin (Todd Thedinga); step-granddaughter, Frances Thedinga; stepchildren, Jane Schwartz Maclean, Andy Schwartz, and Nikki Schwartz; and a large extended family of step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He was predeceased by his second wife, Lenore Schwartz Baxter; his brother, Pete Goodrich; and his sister, Joanna Henderson.
A memorial celebration will be held in October. For further information, please visit https://johnobaxtermemorial.rsvpify.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be sent to the Historic Santa Fe Foundation.