ROCHESTER – Ernest Parke Baxter, 84, died Nov. 3, 2012, in his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 23, 1928, in Kokomo, to Earnest O. and Alice Kreachbaum Baxter. On Aug. 14, 1949, he married Frances “Fran” G. Castleman, who survives. Graduating high school in 1946, he was active in student government and was president of his senior class. He earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Purdue University in 1950. From 1952-53, he served in the 4th Infantry Division with the U.S. Army during of occupation of Germany. He was a pharmacist and owned Baxter's Drug Store. Also surviving are a daughter, LeeAnn (and spouse Buddy) Pollock, Rochester; a son, Douglas (and spouse Christina) Baxter, Rochester; three grandsons; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Gloria Ann Gallop, Cornwall, Pa. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester, with Pastor Maurice Grindle officiating. Calling is from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday and one hour prior to the service Sunday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church or the Northern Indiana Community Foundation. Condolences may be made via www.goodfamilyfh.com
