Rex E. Baxter, 77, Huntington, IN, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2016, at 2:45 p.m. at his residence.
Mr. Baxter was born on February 6, 1939, in Huntington, IN, to Ivan and Vesta (Weaver) Baxter. His parents preceded him in death. Rex married Sandy Van Meter on February 15, 1963, in Huntington, IN. She survives and resides in Huntington, IN.
Mr. Baxter was a 1957 graduate of Huntington Township High School. He graduated from Huntington College in 1961. Rex was a retired and successful businessman having owned three businesses in Huntington, IN. He was the owner/operator of Baxters Restaurant for 30 years, Bakers Dozen for two years, and George’s Dog House for two years. He was also a Production Foreman and Plant Superintendent for four years at H.K. Porter, Inc., and a Tool Room Foreman for 6 years at Essex Wire Corporation. He also was the Food Director at Byron Health Center for 12 years; and the first Chef at Honeywell Center, Wabash, IN.
Rex was a member of the HCCSC (Huntington County Community School Corporation) School Board for 16 years where he had served as Vice-President and currently was the Secretary; 10 years at Huntington City Park Board, where he served as President for four years; Huntington County Health Board where he served as President for one year; Huntington County Council At-Large; Huntington City-Township Library board; 6 year member of Big Brothers & Big Sisters Huntington and Whitley County Board, where he served as President for three years; American Association of Trauma Specialists; EMT for Huntington County; and County Reserves for Huntington Sheriff Department.
Rex also was involved with the American Culinary Federation, Masonic Lodge, Huntington, IN, Scottish Rite, Fort Wayne, IN, Shriner’s, Fort Wayne, IN, and the Moose Lodge, Huntington, IN.
Rex is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandy, two nephews; and a close friend, Chick Haskett.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Phillip Baxter.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN, with Pastor Gerald Moreland officiating.
Burial will be at Star of Hope Cemetery, Huntington, IN.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Shrine Burn Unit in care of McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750.
McElhaney- Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com