What beautiful words to express the tip of the iceberg who Uncle Wendell was. As a young child, I used to love to go visit him and Aunt Jean in Oklahoma. Uncle Wendell was a kind and caring man and always strived to make you feel as comfortable as possible. I especially remember the relationship he had with my father, Bud Hill. My dad did not have any brothers, therefore his brother-in-laws were very special to him. They had a very close relationship and such respect for each other. And they LOVED to have fun together. Oh, my, the pranks I remember them pulling. My youngest daughter has a very vivid of her great-uncle Wendell teaching her how to “spit and whittle” on a front porch. She loved it. Uncle Wendell will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful Christ-filled man who lived his life to the glory of God.
What a beautiful tribute to Wendell! Thank you for sharing it with me. I learned a lot about his life that I was unaware of. Though none of it surprises me. Wendell was an amazing man who will be greatly missed. I think it’s safe to say that he will be missed by many more people than his family and friends. His gentle life force, his warm smile and his sincere love and caring for all around him will be with me forever. I’m grateful to have been in his life. That he chose Jean as the love of his life speaks volumes about her as well. Jean, I’m sorry for your loss and send warm hugs and kisses to you and all of your family.
My Uncle Wendell was not only a very special man and a kind person but a very knowledgeable man. One time when Wendell was living in South Texas, Linda and some of his grandchildren came to visit and we went to some of the local historical sites. He knew more about Texas history then I did and I’m a native Texan. I can remember the many trips he, Sherrie and I took to the Gulf coast and Uncle Wendell and Sherrie would always see who could swim out to the second sandbar. I am looking for the day that I will once again hear him say “Where is O.D.?”
Jim and Nicky Knight on June 16, 2014 at 4:06 am said: Edit
Dear Jean,
In recent days we have had your family in our minds, prayers and memories ax we received word about Wendell.
Words seem empty as we try to express our deep love and appreciation for you and Wendell and your entire family. Wendell meant a great deal to me personally. He was such a great leader, positive example, good friend and outstanding servant of the Lord. Yet he was so patient with rookies like me. Wendell was always there ready with his inspiration, his challenge, his words of encouragement, his humor and his support. He meant a great deal to me.
You completed 65 wonderful years with Wendell. He depended upon you, loved you and adored you. One of the last things he said to me as he left church one Sunday was “You know I’ve got a great wife.” He then started to get a little misty eyed. But, then he slowly cocked his head to the side and whispered “But don’t tell her I said that. She might get the big head.” Wendell was so tender, yet he never lost his sense of humor. And I could always see the twinkle in his eye when he spoke about you. I know, however, that though you had 65 great years, no amount of time together seems sufficient when you lose someone so dear.
Wendell has gone where there is no more illness, no more Parkinson’s, and no more tears. And we look forward to the day when we will see him again (over there).
Jean, Nicky and I love and care for you very deeply. Please be assured of our continued thought, prayers, and appreciation.
Sincerely,
Jim Knight
Pastor
I met Sherrie in high school sometime around 1973, I think. My family moved to Battleground midway through my 10th grade year. I was miserable. But shortly after the move I met Sherrie and she invited me to her church. I met her parents, Jean and Wendell, who seemed to be quiet, loving, gentle people that were devoted to their family, their church, and God.
I don’t think any of the Baxters knew this, but I studied them almost like Jane Goodall studied her chimpanzee’s. Sitting with them quietly (which they might dispute) observing them whenever I could. I needed to find out if their behavior was a well crafted facade performed for the outside world or if they really were the gentle, loving people they portrayed. It was fascinating because I saw in those brief glimpses of their private life that it was even better than what I could have imagined. They were funny, peaceful, happy people that seemed to love being around one another.
As teenagers, Sherrie and I were always on the go so I wasn’t around Wendell very often, but he was always there, in the background, like this unwavering pillar of quiet strength and love. He was consistent, he was peaceful, he was kind, and he had a steadfast faith in God. He became one of the few examples in my life of what a ‘good man’ was.
After graduation Sherrie and I went our separate ways but I always thought of Wendell and Jean Baxter as my guideposts as to what loving parents looked like. I think of the brief time I was fortunate enough to have them in my life as a kind of Holy Encounter. Knowing the Baxters brought so much happiness and light into my life during a time when my home life was difficult and dark.
Through the years I’ve been told that most of us do the best we can with what we know but because of Wendell Baxter I knew that wasn’t quite true. I saw that with faith in God, one could do so much more with which to do better. I loved that Wendell never preached or demanded respect or attention. He never forced his beliefs on others. He was simply there in the background, consistently providing a safe and loving place to just be. In a sense he created church wherever he was.
Wendell has always been in my heart and in my memories. He set a pretty high benchmark in the back of my mind for all men, and from what I’ve experienced, there might have been a tad too few like him to set a good example for the rest. I have never let him leave me and suppose I never will.
Uncle Wendell was wise, funny, loving, and compassionate. He was loved by family and friends. He was sorely missed at our family reunion this last week-end at Western Hills Park in Oklahoma. God is good, because He has given us many precious memories of our loved ones. Our loss is heavens gain. What a wonderful day that will be when we meet our loved ones again in our Heavenly Home with The Lord for our great reunion in heaven.