Donald F. Baxter, Jr. of Aurora, Oh., died peacefully in his sleep on May 18 in Summa Hospice after succumbing to injuries from a car accident. His family was blessed to spend the last weeks of his life by his side. He was 81.
Don was born on June 22, 1942 in Niagara Falls, N.Y., the eldest son of the late Donald F. Baxter, Sr. and Doris H. (Bentham) Baxter. President of his class, he graduated with honors in 1960 from Lewiston-Porter High School in Youngstown, N.Y., and in 1965, he received his BS in Metallurgy from the Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Oh.
Don served in the US Navy from 1965-1969, including a year in Subic Bay in The Philippines, and attained the rank of SK 2nd Class (Storekeeper). He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for honorably serving during a time of war or conflict.
Following discharge, Don took a job as an assistant editor at ASM International in Novelty, Oh. He worked his way up the ranks, eventually becoming managing editor of the magazines Advanced Materials & Processes and Heat Treating Progress before retiring in 2008 with nearly 35 years of service at the organization. After his official retirement, Don continued to edit and write part-time for ASM and to enjoy convivial luncheons with his colleagues.
Don will be remembered for his steadfastness, wit, and joy-filled appreciation of nature, folk music, poetry, campfires, and comfort food. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren, who miss him terribly.
Don is survived by his daughter, Erika (Aaron) Steinberg of Woodbine, Md., and grandchildren, Ada, Calla, and Wright; daughter, Shannon Baxter of Kent, Oh., and grandchildren, Isa and Reed; and brother, Frederick (Elaine) Baxter of Lewiston, N.Y. He also leaves behind his former wife, Kathleen Gelles-Baxter of Frederick, Md.; sister-in-law, Bonnie Baxter of Hanford, Ca.; Anthony Thornton of Warren, Oh.; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. His brother, Andrew Baxter, passed away in 2014.
Ashes will be scattered privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland in Solon, Oh., or the Old Fort Niagara Association in Youngstown, N.Y.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at greenfuneralcare.com
