John David Baxter of Titusville, Florida passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the age of 69. After several months of declining health, John lost his battle with Cancer and Heart Disease and died peacefully at Solaris Healthcare in Merritt Island, Florida, where his beloved wife has been a resident for the last five years.
John was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 14, 1953, to Father Ralph David Baxter Jr and Mother Earline Elizabeth Allen. John was the only son out of five children. John always had a passion for figuring out how things worked mechanically and the best ways to repair them, specifically Aircraft. His love of airplanes gave him a strong desire to join the Air Force, no matter what he had to do, including an all-Banana diet to be able to meet the weight requirements. After enlisting in the Air Force, John had the opportunity to be stationed overseas in various countries, including Germany. Due to circumstances out of his control, he was unfortunately unable to extend his military career, but that did not stop him from continuing his career as an Aircraft Mechanic.
Throughout his career he moved to multiple states, all over the United States, and overseas to Germany. His career was fulfilled by being an Aircraft Mechanic on military, commercial, and private aircraft all that way through his retirement from Continental Airlines at the Orlando International Airport. Into his retirement John continued to tinker on multiple projects including wood working and 3D printing. John was a devoted customer at Steve’s Diner in Titusville, Florida where he even had his own coffee cup with his wife’s pictures on it. More importantly, John spent his final years as a devoted husband visiting his wife daily at Solaris Healthcare after she suffered a tragic accident and suffers from a TBI.
John was very fortunate to be loved by so many and had the opportunity to be called a Son, Brother, Husband, Uncle, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Colleague, and Friend!
He is survived by his wife of over 20 years, Brenda Lee Baxter, two children, and four stepchildren. Bridgette Baxter-Dyer (Kenny) of Tennessee, John Baxter-Watters (Kelly) of Texas, Jeff Wines (Cheri) of Florida, Jennifer Ronczkowski (Scott) of Texas, Billy Cox of Florida, and Bobby Taylor of Ohio. Along with multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Three Sisters, Brenda Warren (Paul), Sandra Bass (Charles), and Susan Behlohlavek (Charles) all of Texas. Along with multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents and one sister, Deborah Lois Baxter.
An Inurnment took place as a private ceremony at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida on May 15, 2023. For those who would like to visit with their goodbyes, his grave can be located in Section #4, Grave #471.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you make a donation to one of the two non-profit military organizations in John’s name:
• Wreath Across America – Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at the following link https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/175521.
• United States Air Force Academy Endowment – with a note of John’s name, at the following link https://www.usafa.org/give
