Obituaries

Everett "Russell" Baxter

Photo of Everett "Russell" Baxter
Everett "Russell" Baxter, 88, of Sheridan, Ark. died on Jan. 2, 2014 at Foxridge Assisted Living Center in Little Rock, Ark.. He was born Nov. 20, 1925 to the late C.E. and Lesta Baxter, in Sheridan, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Franklin "Tiny" Baxter; and his sister, Martha Luckenbill. Russell was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church, Sheridan, where he was a member of the choir, enjoyed running the sound system and delivering taped copies of the church service to sick and shut-in members. He was a graduate of Sheridan High School and attended Hendrix College. He received his Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He was a World War II Army Air Force Veteran. He enjoyed a long and successful career in the Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Division. He served as a Rehabilitation Counselor, Supervisor of Services for the Blind, Supervisor of Staff Services, Supervisor of Field Services and Assistant Commissioner. In 1965, he was appointed by the Governor to serve as commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, a position he held until his retirement in 1987. Russell was a highly respected leader in the field of Rehabilitation at the state, regional and national level. He was a member of the Arkansas Rehabilitation Association, Southwest Region, National Association and the National Rehabilitation Association in Washington, D.C., and was a very active member of their Board of Directors for 20 years. He was a member of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation in Washington, D.C., serving as president of that organization for two years, during which time the Rehabilitation ACT Amendment of 1973 was passed by Congress, which was significant legislation for people with disabilities. Through the years he received numerous awards and recognition for his work, advocacy and state, regional and federal involvement on behalf of people with disabilities. He loved people and life and believed strongly in truth, justice and equality for all. His love and determination significantly improved the quality of life for persons with disabilities not only in Arkansas but throughout the nation. The light of his life were his children; a grandchild; and two great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Eileen Schigulinsky Baxter; daughters, Becky Baxter Porter and Kim Baxter; his granddaughter, Ashley Porter Nguyen and her husband, Anthony; his great grandchildren, Isabella and Christian Nguyen; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, who will be greatly missed by them and his many friends. He lives on in their hearts and all those lives he touched. There will be a private family graveside service. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, 2014 at First United Methodist Church in Sheridan. Immediately following the service, a time of fellowship and refreshments will be held in the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Arkansas Hospice and Foxridge Assisted Living, Chenal, for the loving care they provided. Special thanks to Dr. Masil George, Dr. Santa Cruz and his caretakers, Dana Hart, Alisa Hart, Katrina Gaines, Toni Porter, and Kiara Jones. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 357, Sheridan, Ark. 72150 or Children's International. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870)942-1306. To sign the online guestbook, www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Published January 5, 2014

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