Central Oregonian

Roy A. Baxter

October 04, 2012

Roy A. Baxter, 84, a resident of Quartzsite Ariz. for the last 21 years, passed away on Sept. 27, 2012 with his family by his side.

Roy was born on Feb. 25, 1928 in?Wilberton, Okla. to Jesse James Baxter and Alice Davis. At the age of 12, his family traveled to Oregon and settled in Prineville. He also attended school in Prineville.

In 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1949. He was then recalled in 1951, and honorably discharged in 1951.

On June 15, 1952, Roy married Beverley Powell. From this union came two children, Lance Lee Baxter and Mary Walker — both of whom reside in Portland, Ore.

The marriage was dissolved in 1965.

In 1966, he married Beverlee Julian, and they were divorced in 1968.

In January 1969, he began a relationship with Susie Reynolds Myers, and in December 1975, they were married. They had a son,?Richard (Ricki) Baxter, who now resides in Metolius, Ore. Roy and Susie were married for 44 years.

In 1960, Roy was a reserve Multnomah County?Sheriff. His other skills included carpentry, appliance services, plumber, and electrician.

From 1971 to 1985, he was a Crook County Special Deputy, and a Prineville Police Department reserve police officer.

Roy owned and managed 52 commercial and residential rental properties, and owned the Jesse James store in?Prineville. From 1985 to 1988, he managed and owned Moro Cafe in?Moro, Ore.

He was a member of Prineville Elks, Eagles, and a life member and past Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #1412. He was a past District Commander and State of Oregon Chief of Staff for two years, and a life member of of the Masonic Lodge of Prineville. He was also a past member of the Central Oregon Scottish Rite and a past member of Al Kader Shriners. In the late 1980s, Roy was president of the Crook?County?Democrat Party and was invited to the White House.

He is survived by his wife, Susie Baxter of Quartzsite,?Ariz.; his three children; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his sister, Faye Roberts of Prineville; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Roy was preceded in death by his mom and dad, three sisters, two brothers, and one great-granddaughter.

The family suggests donations in Roy’s name be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Children.

There will be a celebration of Roy’s life in the spring in?Central Oregon.