Raymond Earl Baxter, 84 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died at 4:32 pm Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Great River Hospice House, West Burlington, Iowa. He was born June 30, 1927, in Downing, Missouri, a son of Floyd and Florence (Weilbrenner) Baxter. He married Laura Jeanne Lancaster. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2001. He married Evelyn Roth on November 13, 2004. She survives.

Raymond first worked for the former Dunsworth Bakery, in Fort Madison, then for Walker's Frozen Food, and later he became an independent insurance agent. He was of the Baptist faith. He was a St. Louis Cardinals fan, and enjoyed playing and singing country music, coffee with the McDonalds gang, and playing word puzzle games.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Baxter, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one son, Dennis Baxter (wife Linda Dorn), of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; two daughters, Phyllis (husband Dick) Auge, of Ohio/Arizona and Kelly Heagy, of Fort Madison, Iowa; five grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Laura Jeanne, two brothers, and one sister.

Friends may call after 1:00 pm Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, where the family will meet friends from 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Tuesday evening. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, with Reverend Dean Graber, officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa. A memorial has been established for Great River Hospice House, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel.