Jerry Oliver Howard Baxter, 85, passed away on February 6, 2025, in Richmond Heights, MO. Jerry was born on July 28, 1939 in Chickasha, OK, to George W. Baxter and Florence Baxter (Miller). He graduated from Ninnekah High School May 2,1957 as the fifth valedictorian from his family. While attending high school, he was one of three Future Farmers of America (FFA) members from Ninnekah to receive the junior master farmer degree. This was presented by the governor of Oklahoma at the annual state convention. This was just one of many awards he received. Following high school Jerry attended some college courses at Oklahoma University, where he played on the baseball team for one season. However his college degree was interrupted by serving in the armed forces from 1958 to 1964. Most notably, he served in Turkey and Germany where he was a Staff Sargent as a part of the US Air Force Security Services. This branch of the Air Force monitored and interpreted the communications of foreign countries of interest. When he was a young adult, Jerry was a fierce competitor on the bowling lane and continued his love for the game into his twilight years. Most recently participating in a bowling league with his daughter, Andrea. As a lifelong angler, Jerry spent countless hours fishing at many lakes punctuated by two deep sea fishing trips to Hawaii (where he caught a large marlin) and Cancun. After college Jerry worked in real estate and as a property manager where he met many good friends whom he always considered to be part of his family. Then, Jerry discovered a love of golf later in life. So much so, that he went to work for the City of Los Angeles municipal golf courses, retiring at the age of 80. He loved his co-workers and considered many of them good friends until his passing. Jerry is survived by his daughters Andrea Baxter and Lea Smith; grandsons Aunrei Smith, Jesse Smith and Jackson Case; and was a loving cat dad to Calvin and Hobbs. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Lung Association in Jerry's memory at www.lung.org .