CSM (Ret) Harold George Baxter

Harold George Baxter, son of the late George A. and Anna (Ingram) Baxter, was born March 2, 1925 in Blue Springs, Missouri. Harold graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri in December 1943. In January 1944, Harold was drafted into the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement on August 29, 1978. He had attained the rank of Command Sergeant Major and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with numeral 9, Army Commendation Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (10th Award), American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal w/3 Service Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Medal w/Bronze Star, Korean Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device and the United States Army Engineer Regiment’s Silver deFleury Medal and numerous Letters of Commendation and Appreciation. On January 8, 1949, Harold was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marolyn Harrison. They have shared more than 65 years together and were blessed with four children: Sharon, Charles, Janet and Lisa. Harold’s life was devoted to the military, but in his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors while hunting and fishing. He was a distinguished member of the Engineer Regiment, lifetime member of the Army Engineer Association and Disabled Americans Association, 44 year member of the Association United States Army and Veteran of Foreign Wars. Harold passed away surrounded by his family at 10:02 a.m., Monday, January 20, 2014 in the Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital of Columbia, Missouri due to complications related to leukemia. He had attained the age of 88 years. Harold leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 65 years: Marolyn L. Baxter of the home; three children: Charles G. Baxter and wife Jeannie of Waynesville, MO, Janet Sue Klund and husband Dan of Robertsville, MO and Lisa Ann Frahm and husband Steve of Olathe, KS; six grandchildren: Joshua, Lori, Danny, Sarah, Richard and Jennifer; seventeen great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by one daughter: Sharon Kay; grandparents: Josiah and Ida Baxter, John and Jane Ingram; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Charles H. and Clara Harrison; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Ralph and Nita Harrison; and several cousins. Harold’s family and those he touched will always remember his kindness, compassion, warmth, strong laugh and love. We will all miss seeing the sparkle in his eyes and watching the incredible example he lived as a loving husband, dad, soldier, grandpa and great grandpa. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2014 in the Soldier's Memorial Chapel of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri with Chaplain (LTC) Michael J. King officiating. SCM (Ret) Frank Herbert read a beautiful eulogy of CSM Baxter's life history and accomplishments. Serving as escorts were the United States Army and serving as honorary escorts were SCM (Ret) Julius Nutter, CSM (Ret) Smith Cade, Daniel Klund, Stefan Frahm, Danny Klund and Joshua Baxter. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery - Fort Leonard Wood with MAJ (Ret) Stan Baughn conducting the service. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

CSM (Ret) Harold George Baxter

March 2, 1925 - January 20, 2014