Thomas Jackson Baxter, 71

CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Thomas Jackson Baxter of Chestertown died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007, at Chester River Hospital Center, Chestertown. He was 71.

Mr. Baxter was born Jan. 21, 1936, in Calvert County, son of the late Thomas Rodney and Mary (Lafferty) Baxter.

He married Patricia Ann Wessell on June 16, 1956, and they resided in Fairlee before moving to Chestertown.

Mr. Baxter then went to work for the State Highway Administration in 1959 as a highway maintenance employee. After 38 years with the State Highway Administration, Mr. Baxter retired in 1997.

He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He also enjoyed bluegrass music, Johnny Cash and working on his vehicles.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Baxter was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann (Wessell) Baxter; a son, William Thomas "Tom" Baxter; and a brother, Willard Baxter.

He is survived by a daughter-in-law, Laura Taylor of Chestertown; a grandson, TJ Baxter of Chestertown; a granddaughter, Chrissy Baxter Fox and her husband Chris of Still Pond; his great-grandchildren, Madelyn Fox and Desirae Fox; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, Chestertown, where friends and family may call one hour prior.

Interment will be held at Chester Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, Maryland Area Office, Baltimore, MD 21244.