James L. Baxter

James L. Baxter, age 89, of Rice, Texas, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Dallas Veterans Hospital in Dallas.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories with the Nolan County Honor Guard. Arrangements are under the direction of Cate-Spencer & Trent Funeral Home.

James was born May 31, 1922 in Huntsville, Texas to Edward David and Annie (McKing) Baxter. He married Opal Mae Moseley on December 27, 1941 in Cameron, Texas. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran entering the service in June 18, 1943. He sailed for the ETO on June 3, 1944; participated in battles for Rome, Southern France and the Rhineland; awarded campaign medal with three bronze stars; after serving l5 months overseas with the Army, he was honorably discharged. He was a self - employed farmer and truck driver. Before he retired, he worked as a truck driver for Lone Star Cement. He was also a member of Cowboy Church of Ennis.

He is survived by six daughters, Elaine Harris of Rice, Texas; Carolyn Reed of Columbus, PA; Loretta Robinson of Richland, TX; Rita Ausborn and Sandra Rutherford, both of Sweetwater, and Brenda McKelvain of Tuscola, Tx; numerous grandchildren, great grandchilden and several great great grandchildren; one sister, Jessie Bagerley of Milano, Tx; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward David and Annie Baxter, wife, Opal Mae Baxter, two sons, Jimmy and Douglas Eugene Baxter, three daughters, Karen Beth Jones, Sara Dee Baxter, and Elizabeth Jean Stoker, two sisters, and three brothers.

Pallbearers will be Shane Ausborn, Jimmy Baxter, Jr., Daniel Robinson, Henry Jones, Dwayne Robbins, and James Beck.

Honorary pallbearer will be Brian Huett.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, May 3, 2012 from 8:00 A.M. to service time.