Baxter, Clarence W., 93, of Syracuse, OH, died Saturday, November 26, 2016 at his home.

Born June 27, 1923 in Proctor, WV, he was the son of the late F. Wolsey Baxter and Pearl Bohrer Baxter Newman. Growing up on the Baxter family farm he learned to hunt, carrying that tradition on to his son and four grandsons. A graduate of Magnolia High School, he was a member of the football team. While in the Army-Air Force he married the love of his life, Garnet L. Cozart and was married 66 years until her death. When discharged from the AAF he was a qualified crew member to fly on B-24s. He joined Columbia Gas Co. in 1953 as a laborer, later became a welder and retired as an operations supervisor in the Cameron, WV area after 32 years. He spent time as a teenager helping on his Aunt Sample Baxter Arrick’s farm. She was the implement in propagating the gospel to “teach the children” by starting, along with Pearl and Josephine Baxter, the First Church of God in Proctor, later in New Martinsville and that church is where Clarence gave his life to God and was a member his entire life. While living many years in Cameron, WV, he attended the First Christian Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Garnet L. Baxter, a sister Thelma G. Meadows and two brothers Joseph H. and Charles R. Baxter.

Survivors include son Rodney C. (Mary Sue) Baxter of Canal Fulton, OH; two daughters Judy Williams, Syracuse, OH, and Mary Jo (Vincent) Kibbee of New Martinsville, WV; eight grandchildren Jane Ann Williams, J. Tucker (Shannon) Williams, Ryan Baxter Williams, Kristen (Robert) Kibbee Bendzsuk, Sarah Kibbee, Jared R. (Sarah) Baxter, Amy R. Baxter, Derek M. (Jennifer) Baxter; seven great grandchildren Caleb and Alivia Bendzsuk, Lincoln Thomas and Easton Williams, Owen and Beckett Williams and Gavin Baxter; two siblings Gladys Clegg, Moundsville and Betty (Bill) Cross, Proctor.

Friends received 3-5 and 6:30 -8:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2016 and 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Jarvis-Williams Funeral Home, 1224 S Bridge St., New Martinsville with Rev. Russ Whitener officiating.

Interment will be in Baxter Cemetery, Newman Ridge Rd, Proctor, WV.

Memorial contributions may be made, in Clarence’s name, to the Baxter Cemetery Association, 251 Fluharty Rd., Middlebourne, WV 26149.

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