Melvin "Mel" Gene Baxter

Melvin “Mel” Gene Baxter, 96, former resident of Brownsville and most recently, a resident of Connellsville, PA, was born August 20, 1926, Fostoria, Ohio, to the late Albert and Mary (Graham) Baxter. He passed away Sunday, July 9, 2023, surrounded by his children.  

After graduating from Fostoria High School, he served honorably in the United States Army Air Corp during WWII. He began his career in the newspaper printing business, working in Fostoria, Delphos, OH, and Weirton, WV, but retired as office manager for EOLA Coal Company, PA. He holds a 74-year membership in the Free Masons, Grand Lodge of Ohio, holding a 33rd Degree. A long-time member of the Rotary Club of Brownsville, and exemplifying its “Service Above Self”, he served in various leadership positions at the local level, but also volunteered on the Rotary Youth Exchange Committee at the District Level. Thanks to his passion, students experienced life in a different country and he hosted many of them in his own home. Perhaps what he will be remembered for the most is his more than 35 years of coaching in Brownsville Biddy Basketball League and his caring approach to teaching kids, some of whom never bounced basketball before. Mel enjoyed woodworking and photography in his spare time. A 45 year-plus member of Fort Burd United Presbyterian Church, Brownsville, Mel served in various leader positions.

A dedicated and loving family man, Mel spent a lot of time with his children as they were growing up, dragging them to Rotary events, cutting endless cords of wood, and picking gallons of raspberries. Nothing brought a smile to his face, however, more than the sight of his grandchildren, unless it was his great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spending hours with the “Littles” and let them climb all over him. He was delighted to have lived long enough to have four generations in many of his photos. Surviving to cherish his memory are the mother of his children, Beth Baxter, California, PA; son, Eric Bradley, Fostoria, daughters, Leah Elizabeth Bierer, Connellsville; Rachael (Casey) Anne Morrison, Brownsville; grandchildren, Terry (Kayla), Levi, Christopher, Lizzy, and Collins; and great-grandchildren, Ryder, Violet, and Grayson; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Gene Baxter, New Orleans; his brother Robert Baxter, Risingsun, OH; and his sister, Helen Tretter, Bowling Green.

In Lieu of flowers, family requested that donations be made to TEAMHUMANITY, Brownsville, (teamhumanityllc.org), which continues the work with kids that Mel so enjoyed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the NOVAK-MELENYZER FUNERAL HOME, 515 Front Street, Brownsville, PA 15417. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.novakfuneralhome.net

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