Paul Russell Baxter

Paul Russell Baxter, 73, Tipton, passed away at 5:17 a.m. Friday, June 8, 2018, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.  He was born August 7, 1944, in Guysville, Ohio, to Wayne and Miriam (Hulme) Baxter.  On June 14, 2008, he married Arletta Lee Plake, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Kokomo, and she survives.

Paul graduated from Anderson High School and worked as a millwright at Chrysler for 39 ½ years before retiring in 2004.  He enjoyed snow skiing and was an avid bike rider.  He had ridden in the Hilly Hundred over twenty times and on Saturdays, he would ride to Sheridan to ride with friends in addition to riding in many other events.  He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene where he was one of the head ushers and was active in serving the Wednesday community meals, the Buddy Bag Program, the Walking Stick ministry at the Howard County Fair and many other special events.

In addition to his wife, Arletta Baxter, he is survived by his children, April Head, Jon (Michelle) Baxter, Marcus Baxter and Keith Baxter; step-children, Lonnie Lee Morrison, Anita (Steve) Dungan and Tina O’Vadka; brother, Nelson (Mary) Baxter; sister, Lumelia (Vernon) Mann; grandchildren, Shandolyn Scott, Tiffany Messenger, Keegan Head, Quentan Head, Taylor Baxter, Mackenzie Burke, Tiffany Neuburger and Leona Baxter; step-grandchilden, Carmen (Doug) McCool and Travis Dungan; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Elaine Schorey.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 14, 2018, at the First Church of the Nazarene, 2734 S. Washington St., Kokomo, with Pastor David Leeder officiating.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Tipton.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House in Ft. Wayne or the Buddy Bags at First Church of the Nazarene.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.  Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, Kokomo, has been entrusted with arrangements.

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