Leigh K. Baxter

Leigh was born on September 22, 1917 in Rockford; the son of John and Estella (Kinson) Baxter. He married Leone Thompson on his birthday, September 22, 1939. Leone preceded him in death on January 19, 1991 after 52 years of marriage. He then married Ingelborg Thorsen in July of 1992 and she preceded him in death in July of 2012.

Leigh was a member of New Milford United Methodist Church, Union Grange # 811 and The Moose Lodge of Rockford and Belvidere. Leigh farmed and delivered milk; he loved fishing in Canada, spending winters in Texas, reading, dancing and going to the Oak View for morning coffee. He loved to mow and especially spend time with family and friends.

Leigh is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Meyer, Fran (Ken) Dillenburg, and Sally (Gary) Campbell; grandchildren David (Michelle) Meyer, Dean (Aimee) Meyer, Denice (Dan) Krusemeier, Dale Dillenburg, Darrell Dillenburg, Douglas (Michele) Dillenburg and Joel (Susan) Jacobson; 12 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren and sister, Verna Cook; his two favorite companions, Sandi Leigh and Black & White.

Leigh was preceded in death by his parents, both wives, two brothers, Merritt and Kenneth Baxter; son-in-law, Russell Meyer; and grandson, Kyle Malot.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Northern Illinois Hospice for all the loving care that was given to Leigh.

A service to celebrate Leigh’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park. Visitation for Leigh will be Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com