Lee Baxter

September 19, 1925 - August 27, 2015

Lee Baxter, 89, of Avoca, Wisconsin, died peacefully with his family and dear friends at his home, in Avoca on Thursday, August 27, 2015. Lee was born on September 19, 1925 in Richland County, Wisconsin, son of Leland and Thalia (Ewers) Baxter. Lee served in WW II from 1944 to 1946 in the Navy as a signalman First class aboard the USS LSM 183. After the war, he returned home to work in the family cheese business. He married Betty Hayes in 1950 and they had one daughter, Cheryl. Lee became the Avoca rural mail carrier from 1959 until 1988. People appreciated Lee for the many acts of kindness that he did on the route. He also played an important part in Betty's dance school. He loved working with the children teaching tumbling, and they loved him. One of Betty and Lee's favorite things to do was to waltz across the dance floor together. His pride and joy was following his daughter Cheryl and his grandson Ellington in their professional careers in Los Angeles. He loved football and was an avid Packer fan. Lee was a member of the American Legion Post 335 of Avoca, a 50 year member of the National Rural Letter Carrier's Association and belonged to the Avoca Methodist Church. He was a former member of the Avoca Development Corporation and Lee and Betty were involved with many local celebrations. He loved the view of his Avoca hills and the beautiful valley that he lived in. He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Cheryl (George) Baxter-Ratliff; grandson, Ellington Ratliff; brother, Lionel (Joanne) Baxter and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Phyllis Livingston. . Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 31, 2015 at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 400 E. Seminary St., Richland Center. Rev. Jeanne Jones will officiate. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. Monday at the Avoca Cemetery, Avoca, Wisconsin, where military rites will be accorded. Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home, 26777 Jelland Dr., Richland Center, or from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the church. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, along with the Clary Memorial Funeral Home, Richland Center are serving the family. Memorials may be made to the Lee Baxter Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.