Dennis (Deni) Author Baxter, 79, passed away Sept. 9, 2024, at his home in Apache Junction, Arizona, surrounded by family and friends from Alzheimer’s. Deni was born on Oct. 5, 1944, to Lewis M. and Mildred B. (Weaver) Baxter in Lebanon, Oregon.
He married Merlyn (Crockett) Baxter in 1966 and had two sons, Dennis (Buck) Baxter and Wade Baxter. Deni moved his family to Vancouver, Washington, in the mid-1970s to work for Clark County PUD. Deni then built a home in Woodland, Washington, where he continued to work for Clark PUD as journeyman lineman until his retirement at the age of 57.
Deni spent the last several years in Arizona with his second wife, Josephine (Litzau) Baxter, training and riding horses with his friends and enjoying time on his Kokopelli Ranch in Apache Junction, Arizona.
Deni was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and his first wife, Merlyn Baxter. Deni is survived by his wife, Josephine; two sons, Buck (Becky) Baxter, of Ridgefield, Washington, and Wade (Stephanie) Baxter, of Battle Ground, Washington; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four stepchildren; and 12 step-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on Nov. 2, 2024, at Manor Grange located at 17901 NE 72nd Ave., Battle Ground.
