John W. Baxter of Benton was born April 26, 1951in Springdale, Arkansas the son of the late John Calvin and Helen Irene Plumlee Baxter. He was a truck driver for Tyson Foods, a member of Hope Pentecostal Church in Sheridan and a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association. He had served in the United States Army in the 18th Military Police having fought in Vietnam, was a member of Beebe VFW, a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and had done Ministry work with the Salvation Army.

Mr. Baxter died Thursday, May 19, 2005 at Arkansas Hospice Center at Fort Roots in North Little Rock at the age of 54.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father- in -law, Charlie Dee Shoptaw.

Survivors: Wife, Sonya Dee Shoptaw Baxter of Benton:
Sons: Jerred, Jaime, Joshua, and Nathan Baxter all of Fayetteville:
1st Mother in law, Jackie Maddox of Benton; Mother in law, Betty Ray Shoptaw of Sheridan:
Brother, Ron and Martha Baxter of Katy, Texas:
Sister, Martha and husband Scott Loghry of Springdale

Graveside services will be Monday, May 23, 2005 at 10:00 AM at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville with Bro. Michael Walton officiating. Visitation: 2-4 P.M. Sunday at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870)942-1306. To sign online www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.