Gerald LeRoy "Jerry" BAXTER

1957 - 2021

BAXTER, Gerald LeRoy "Jerry" Gerald (Jerry) Baxter of Greenacres, WA passed away unexpectedly on January 12th, 2021. Jerry was born June 29, 1957 to parents Barbara and LeRoy in Spokane Valley, WA. The second of four children, Jerry grew up in Greenacres riding horses and motorcycles with his siblings Kathy, Marilyn, and Tom. He attended Central Valley High School, graduating in 1975. After graduation he worked for a time at the sawmill in Wilbur before he began his career at Kaiser where he worked for the next 40+ years. Jerry was described as a joker by those who knew him best. He loved to make people laugh and always had a quick wit when a comeback was needed. Never one to back down from a good teasing, he could certainly give as well as he got. He seemed to have a nickname for everyone, no matter if you liked it or not, and they seemed to stick. He loved riding motorcycles and liked to tell stories of his bike adventures. Whether it was giving his young nieces rides when they were little or scaring the life out of his sister taking her for a ride a bit faster than she would have liked, he always had a great time on his bikes. After a near brush with an elk on Highway 27 he took a break from riding for a while, but a Harley called him back and he thoroughly enjoyed his time in on his bike for as long as he was able. Jerry is survived by his three children, Kelly, Taylor, and Kristy and his granddaughter Alyssa, who was so very special to him. He loved showing pictures of her to family and friends and truly enjoyed being a grandpa. He is also survived by his mother Barbara of Greenacres; his sister Kathy (Doug) Perren of Benton City, his sister Marilyn of Greenacres; and his brother Tom (Laurie) of Newman Lake, as well as many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss him dearly, along with his beloved Bassett Hound Molly. He is preceded in death by his father LeRoy. The family hopes to have a memorial service this summer.