Joseph Randall Baxter

Joseph Randall Baxter (Joey), 64, of Coolidge, Arizona, passed away November 24, 2025, in Maricopa, Arizona after a long battle with ALS. Joey was born, in the family home on March 31, 1961 in Colchester, Vermont, the son of Clinton and Palestine (Gilbert) Baxter. Joey attended Colchester schools and graduated from Colchester High School in 1979. Joey served his country with 19 years of service in the Vermont Army National Guard. From an early age, Joey had a passion for anything with an engine on it. He raced dirt bikes with studded tires on frozen Lake Champlain. He raced stock cars at Catamount Stadium. One race ended with him rolling his car, which earned him the title of “Flipper Baxter.” For many years he owned and operated Joey B’s Auto until being diagnosed with ALS in 2006. Joey did not let this stop his love of tinkering with cars as he continued to repair his own vehicles and help others repair their vehicles. He loved spending time with his family, boating and fishing on Lake Champlain. Joey was a kind and loving grandfather, father, brother, and friend to most everyone.

Joey is survived by his children: Christina Baxter, Randy Baxter, Ashley Zeno, and Stephanie Trozzi; brother: Tom Baxter, his wife Elaine; sisters: Linda Johnston, her husband Douglas; Carol Hurteau and partner Rodney Bushey; Jean Correia; June Trayah and husband David; Father-in-law: Bob Rancourt; Grandchildren: Kelsey (Charlie) Pierce and spouse Asher, Natalie (Marshall) Cronin, Brendan and Adrian Zeno, Madelynn and Emilia Trozzi, Truett and Aralani Baxter; many nieces and nephews; and his 4 legged companions, CJ, Roxy and Poncho.

Joey was preceded in death by his wife Cindy (Rancourt) Baxter (2021), his loving parents, Clinton Baxter (2002) and Palestine (Gilbert) Baxter (1996), brother Gilbert Baxter (2018) and brother-in-law’s: Clement Hurteau (1996) and Richard Correia (2025).

A debt of gratitude is owed to close family friend Ashley Crawford, for her years of support and friendship to Joey and Cindy and especially for taking Joey to her home for his final days.

There are no visiting hours or funeral service. A celebration of life is tentatively scheduled for January 2026 in Coolidge, Arizona.