Gary Lee Baxter

Gary Baxter was born in October 1943 to Donald and Helen Baxter in Pendelton, Oregon. Growing up as the son of an airman, Gary experienced a life full of movement and adventure. His childhood took him from Oregon to New Mexico, then Florida, and even to England before the family eventually settled back in the United States in Spokane, Washington.

Following in his family's tradition of service, Gary enlisted in the US Army. He served with distinction as part of the US Army Marksmanship Unit, in Berlin in the Vanguards, 4th Battalion 18th Infantry. Gary completed two tours in Vietnam. He served with the Ravens Raiders in the 4th Infantry and as a helicopter crew chief. Upon returning home, Gary married Mary Louise Gronenthal in August 1969, and together they welcomed two daughters.

Gary's civilian life was brief. In 1974, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard, beginning another chapter filled with adventure. Over the next sixteen years, Gary and his family moved frequently. Living in Adak, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; and Yorktown, Virginia, before returning to the Pacific Northwest and settling in Edmonds, Washington. Throughout his military career, Gary earned numerous medals and commendations, including Purple Hearts, the Silver Star Medal and a Bronze Medal.

In 1990, MKC Chief Baxter retired from the Coast Guard. He applied his expertise in turbine engines to the private sector with the Gas Turbine Corporation. He would later take on various other roles such as a long-haul trucker, working on the assembly line at the Boeing plant in Everett, as a private security guard, and as a caregiver to his wife.

Gary enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and activities throughout his life. He loved riding motorcycles, sailing, and earned his pilot license in the early 2000s, which led him to take up flying. He enjoyed dog training and competing in retriever field trials, hunting, and cooking. For several years, Gary volunteered to bake pies for Thanksgiving dinners at a nearby senior center, earning him the affectionate nickname “The Pie Man.” His life-long passion was marksmanship and shooting black powder. Gary was a member of a local shooting range where he was known as the “black powder guy,” and was always willing to share his enthusiasm for the sport.

Gary is survived by his daughters, Margaret Wilburn (Craig Wilburn) and Caroline Baxter-Clubine (George Clubine), and his grandson, Jackson Clubine. His sister, Patti Piper, brother, Kevin Baxter (Nancy Baxter), and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Baxter in 2023. Gary and Mary will be honored with a sea burial together at Point No Point, a special place they discovered while stationed in Port Angeles and revisited often as they sailed the Puget Sound.