Raymond "Cotton" Eugene Baxter

Cotton passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 19,2021. He was born July 2, 1928, to Elois Mae Gragson & Vernon Autry Baxter in Mansfield, Arkansas. Growing up in Mansfield, working on the farm & going to school, Cotton at age 19 went into the Army and served the years 1947-1949 in the 926th Engineer Aviation Group APO 959. Soon after, he met Eugenia Ruth Ruthledge at a Donkey Basketball game in Mansfield and they were married May 21,1950 in Danville, Arkansas. That fall of 1950, they moved to Fort Worth, Texas.

Their first-born Janice was born in December of 1950 and died three short weeks later. Dennis was born in February of 1952, Wayne "Shorty" in August 1954, and Annette in July 1963.

They moved to Crowley, Texas in 1964 and lived on North Trail Street until the fall of 1983. Cotton worked at General Dynamics(now Lockheed) for several years, but his main career was with Crowley ISD as the Maintenance supervisor. Cotton retired and moved back to Mansfield, Arkansas in fall of 1983 until the death of Dennis in October 1984 when they moved back to Texas to take care for their two oldest grandchildren, Troy and Nicole. Cotton went back to CISD until 1987 which they moved back to Mansfield, Arkansas to be with family until 1992 before moving back to Crowley for good.

Cotton always had cattle after moving to Crowley. He had several leases along with a few residing on Trail street. He also loved and enjoyed woodworking. He built several houses, as well as cedar bedroom furniture, tables, hope chest & make kids chairs for his great grandchildren. Cotton also enjoyed RV'ing the countryside. He & Eugenia were able to travel several states sightseeing. He also restored a 1960's Ford Falcon. It is now often seen at the car shows in the area.

Cotton is preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Vernon Jr and James Howard, his daughter, Janice, his son, Dennis & his wife Eugenia who died January 19, 2015.

Cotton is survived by his children , Annette Ledyard and husband Kirk and Wayne "Shorty" Baxter. His grandchildren, Troy( Diane), Nicole(Todd), Jeff (Sarah), Natalie( Jerry), Joey(Taylor), Bobbi(Casey), Shane(Michelle), Lindsi (Jesse) & Brandi. His great grandchildren, Dennis Cotton, Andrew, Ashton. Ryleigh, Bailey, Wyatt, Arianna, Jaxon, Gracelyn, Kaylie, Justice, Hunter, Ember, Konnor, Kooper & Destyni. Sister in law, Gertrude Ruthledge plus nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family wants to thank Elk Creek Senior Living, Fresenius Kidney Care, Heart to Heart Hospice and Dr. Charles Carlton, MD.

In lieu of flowers, American Lung Association, National Kidney Foundation, Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of your choice.