Robert “Bob” Baxter

A graveside service officiated by Dr. Matt Judkins, was held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2021 at Cairo Cemetery at the Cairo Community between Wardville and Coalgate, for Robert “Bob” Baxter of McAlester,.

A celebration of life was held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the McAlester First United Methodist Church, S. 13th Street and MacArthur Ave in McAlester, officiated by Dr. Matt Judkins.

Robert “Bob” Baxter, of McAlester, passed away on March 3, 2021 at the age of 74. After several months of declining health, Bob died peacefully with his beloved wife, Linda, and their family by his side.

Bob was born on June 30, 1946, in Hereford, Texas, the son of Charlie and Marilou Baxter. After graduating college from Texas Tech University, Bob ran several ranches with family until he became the City Manager of Coalgate, Oklahoma. Over the years, he was City Manager at Tishomingo, Okemah, and Okmulgee until his retirement five years ago. He spent the last few years as a real estate agent.

He was a devout Christian and an active member of the United Methodist Church. He found joy in his participation in football throughout his life and stayed in contact with his teammates. He loved those whom he worked with in cities and communities where he lived and worked. Bob loved to tell a story, enjoyed intelligent conversations about current events and politics, and would always be found early in the morning drinking his coffee and reading the newspaper to start his day.

He is survived by his wife: Linda Baxter; children: Clay Baxter (Kim), Shanelle Watts (John), and Sean Baxter (Michele); 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brother: Ken; and sister: Wynell.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents and by his brother: Charles.

Those that wish to remember Bob in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the First United Methodist Church, 1501 S. 13th St. McAlester, OK 74501.