Francis R. Baxter

MADISON - Francis R. Baxter, age 89, died on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010, surrounded by his loving family at All Saints Assisted Living. He was born on Feb. 7, 1921, in Benton, the son of Thomas and Clara Cassidy Baxter. Frank was the youngest of eight children. In 1939, he graduated from Benton High School as valedictorian of his class. After high school, Frank attended the University of WI-Whitewater, where he met his future wife Elizabeth Fahey. In March of 1943, Frank was called in to service, serving in the 65th Finance Dispensing Section as a Master Sergeant until December of 1945. Franks father died when he was eight, so he quickly began his life in the work force. His first job was at the Rock Store where Frank weighed groceries and soon worked up to handling the cash. After returning from World War II, Frank worked for one year in Rockford and then took a job as Business Manager at Kayser Ford in Madison. He owned and operated his own Ford dealership in Oregon for nearly 9 years. His career included many years as Vice President of Capital City Culvert and 13 years as Chief Auditor at the Department of Natural Resources. Frank also served as the Fitchburg Town Treasurer and Supervisor. He reveled in the last 25 years of his career serving patriarch at Kayser Ford with his two sons, Patrick and Rick and three grandsons, Sean, Ryan, and Brendan. Frank married Elizabeth Fahey on July 16, 1949. They raised five children in Fitchburg, on Irish Lane where many fond memories were made with the extended Green, Harty, and Fahey clan. Bette and Frank were active members of Holy Mother of Consolation Church in Oregon and later St. James Parish in Madison where Franks oldest son Msgr. Thomas Baxter is Pastor. Toms ordination to the priesthood in 1976 was a very proud moment for Frank and Bette. Frank was a dedicated husband and father, taking great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He also modeled enduring devotion to his wife Bette during her many years of ill health. His nickname Happy was appropriate as he was always smiling and looking at the bright side of life. In 1992, at age 71, Frank married Marian Smythe. They enjoyed many years together traveling and socializing with family and friends. Frank is survived by his second wife, Marian Smythe-Baxter; his children, Msgr. Thomas, Patrick (Lee), Richard, Mary (George) Meier, and William (Therese), nine grandchildren; Sean (Amanda), Ryan, Brendan and Bridget Baxter, Keeley, Ellen and Kevin Meier, Riley and Kelly Baxter; Marians daughter Sandy (Bill) DeWalt; grandchildren, Terri (Matt) Drymalski, Jack (Larina) Cole and their children, and Keya; sister-in-law, Kathleen Harty; and many wonderful nieces and nephews, and friends. Frank was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth in 1981, his parents and his seven brothers and sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Franks life will be held at ST. JAMES PARISH, 1128 St. James Ct, Madison, on Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. with a scripture service at 7 p.m, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Church, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, WI. 53715. A special thanks to the wonderful caretakers at All Saints Assisted Living where Frank enjoyed the last two years of his life and the staff at HospiceCare Inc. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Church, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, WI. 53715. Visitation: Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. with a scripture service at 7 p.m, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Monday. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Franks life will be held at ST. JAMES PARISH, 1128 St. James Ct, Madison, on Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding.