Jeffery T. (Jeff) Baxter, 52, died unexpectedly on January 7, 2026. Jeffery was born on April 23, 1973 in Fort Meade, Maryland to Carl Baxter and Carol Alexander. Later on he moved with his family to Kansas City Missouri. Jeff graduated from Oak Park High School in 1991. He went to Park University to attempt to get a degree in teaching history. He got married September 18th, 1999 to Kathern Swigert. On May 5th, 2000 They welcomed their daughter, Kerstin M. Baxter. Then on October 31st, 2005 he started his career as a corrections officer at Lancing Correctional Facility. All of the training he had learned about firearm safety and awareness of surroundings he taught to his daughter. His daughter remembers him as a loving, stubborn, brave, strong leader, and a caring father who encouraged her to pursue her goals no matter what. Jeffery was accomplished at leading by example and often guided people to a better path within the job. Outside of work Jeffery loved writing, riding his bike, working on his car, building his Legos, and reading. Jeffery was a witty individual who had a dark/dry sense of humor and movie lines. He was an active and dedicated member of the dark side, his favorite was “ Come to the Dark side, we have cookies."
He is preceded in death by his father Carl G. Baxter. Grandparents Ernest and Ferne Baxter, Donald and Muriel Pepmeier and his uncles Michael (Mike) Alexander and James (Jim) Alexander.
Jeffery is survived by his wife Kathern Baxter of Gladstone, Missouri. daughter Kerstin Baxter (Brodie Golden) of Gladstone, Missouri. grandson Sawyer Golden and expecting grandchild Ethan Golden of Gladstone, Missouri. mother and stepfather Carol and Marty Tompson of Platte City, Missouri. Stepmother Cherolyn Bone-Baxter of Gladstone, Missouri. Brother Tim Baxter (Lauren Yeamans) of Scottsdale, Arizona, He is also survived by friends at Lancing Correctional Facility family, along with many Nieces and Nephews along with great nieces and nephews.
Visitation and memorial is scheduled for February 13th at 3 PM at Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home in Gladstone, Missouri. All are welcome to attend and Celebrate Jeffery’s Life.
In lieu of flowers, and or donations send to Kerstin Baxter at 207 Northeast 58 Street Apt 8 Gladstone, Missouri 64118
The family would like to thank Saint Luke's hospital staff and the liver specialists for his care.
April 25, 2026 weekend of his Birthday we plan to have a celebration of life for Jeffery T. Baxter, if interested contact Kerstin Baxter and or Brodie Golden for more info coming soon, all is welcome as well, and we’ll be making an event for it on facebook.
