Robert J Baxter

   He was born May 20, 1929 in Galesburg, IL to Richard L. and Helen C. (Yearnshaw) Baxter.  He married Ida Lou Smith in Pekin on Aug. 14, 1949.  She preceded him in death on Nov. 8, 2007.  He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Debra Jean McKown; and niece, Sheril Smith.

   He is survived by 2 sons, Ric (Virginia) Baxter of Peoria Heights, Robert M. Baxter of Peoria; 7 grandchildren, Daniel, Jennifer, Joseph, Summer Anne, Drew, Emily, Elizabeth; 5 great-grandchildren, Finn, Isabella, Jacob, James, Stori; and one sister, Barbara (George) Beres of Pekin.

   Robert worked at the First Financial Bank in Pekin, retiring in Jan. of 1994 as branch manager after 43 years of service.  He was a member of the Peoria Elks Lodge #20 for over 40 years, Peoria Chapter Financial Education Institute, Peoria Chapter of Real Estate Appraisers, Peoria High Boosters Club, and formerly taught little league baseball and biddy basketball.

   The family would like to acknowledge the special care they received from Harbor Light Hospice.

   Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, 2012 at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria.  Cremation will be accorded.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Online condolences may be made at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com.