Donald Baxter

Donald M. Baxter, 85, a resident of Bettendorf, Iowa died on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus in Davenport, Iowa. Services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Make-A.-Wish Foundation. McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home of Bettendorf is assisting the family with arrangements.

Don was born January 18, 1926 in St. David, Ill. to Raymond and Ethel (Hill) Baxter. He attended schools in Knoxville, Illinois. He spent time at a young age in the service in 1943 with the United States Merchant Marine and later with the United States Coast Guard. His time was mostly spent in New Guinea.

He was united in marriage to Emile M. Fulli on January 7th 1967 in Milan, Ill. Don worked for United Airlines for 19 years at the Quad-City International Airport. After leaving United Airlines, he purchased Ficke Travel in 1971 and retired from the company in 1989. Following retirement, he worked aboard the President Riverboat Casino in Davenport for 10 years.

He was a member of the Gyros Club and the Elks Club, both of Davenport. He was also a member of the Davenport Club and the Rock Island Arsenal Club. He enjoyed spending time in his garden and doing things around the house.

He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Emile; his son, Tony Baxter of Bettendorf and his daughter Teri (Rick) Fagen of Atlanta, Georgia.

Don was preceded in death by his daughter Niki; and his parents; and two brothers Robert Baxter and Eugene Baxter, both of Knoxville, Illinois