Edsel Ray Baxter

Edsel (RAY) Baxter, age 84, of Terreton, passed away Sunday July 29, 2012 at his home. Born May 27, 1928 in Rigby, Idaho to Harry Luther Baxter and Ada Minerva Heyrend. Ray attended school in Rigby, where he also graduated from Rigby High School. He married LaVona Thueson June 11, 1947 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Together they raised their family of 5. Ray and Lavona farmed east of Rigby in the Clark area for 19 years. With the help of his brothers-in-law, Ray and LaVona then decided to start a tire business in Rexburg area in 1968, where they lived, worked and raised their family for 24 years. Ray retired and sold the business in 1986. Soon after in 1992 they moved to Terreton, Idaho to be close to family. Ray and Lavona were a valuable asset in their son’s business, and could often be seen transporting tires. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he was always available to give service and especially a good time, many loved his kind nature. Ray and LaVona served two missions together in the Nauvoo area. Family was the joy of his life, which included traveling, and sharing time and experiences with family and grandchildren. Ray loves his family, and they love and will miss him for this short time. Ray is survived by his wife, LaVona T. Baxter of Terreton, a daughter Annette (Brad) Eddins of Dubois, and sons, Ron (Dianne) Baxter of Terreton, Ross (Holly) Baxter of Rigby, 14 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by their two sons Danny and Donnie, and his parents, his sister Cleopa Baxter Tobin, also two half brothers Willard and Kenneth Baxter. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday August 2, 2012 at the Terreton LDS Stake Center 1300 East 1500 North with Bishop Shaun Grover officiating. The family will visit with friends and family from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 West Main Street, Rigby, and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service at the Terreton Stake Center. Burial will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery, under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby.