Robert H. Baxter, M.D.

Robert H. Baxter M.D. passed away March 23, 2011 with his family at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Mildred Middleton-Baxter. He leaves behind his beloved wife Valerie and children Robert L. (Theresa) Baxter, Deborah Mary (Joe) Pounder, Milena (Keith) Horn, Valerie's children Lisa (Fred) Edwards, Lynn Mace, Laurie Mace, Don (Kim) Mace and 9 grandchildren. Born in East Liverpool Ohio July 4, 1923 he lived in various places in Ohio until his family settled in Western Springs, Illinois. He graduated from Lyons Township High School class of 1941 then completed 2 years of junior college. In 1942 Bob enlisted in the United States Navy V12 program. This allowed him to continue his studies at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1944.His naval active duty assignments included Norfolk VA; Bainbridge MD. He was accepted into the class of 1948 at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine Chicago, Illinois. Following medical school graduation he completed his surgical residency in General and Plastic Surgery at Milwaukee County Hospital. He served as a Plastic Surgeon in the United States Air Force Medical Corp. at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington DC and Chief Plastic Surgery Resident at the VA Hines Hospital in Illinois. Bob pursued a career in Plastic Surgery inspired by a desire to improve patients self esteem and quality of life following life altering injuries. The WW II returning wounded veterans inspired him to pursue this field of surgery. In 1955 Dr. Baxter moved to Akron, Ohio to join Dr. Joe Ewing at the Ewing Oral and Plastic Surgery Clinic. He was on staff at Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Medical Center, Akron City Hospital, Barberton Citizens and St. Thomas Hospital. In 1968 he set up a successful office practice with his best friend fellow plastic surgeon and partner Dr. Sol Braver DDS, MD. Later in his career he incorporated under Akron Plastic Surgeons Inc. He opened the first free- standing ambulatory surgery center in this part of the country in Akron at his Portage Path address. He also served as a surveyor with the AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) He retired from practice in 1986. He loved the practice of medicine and felt privileged to improve patients' lives. After retirement Bob pursued many hobbies. He continued his love of history and reading and started learning the craft of woodworking. He enjoyed telling the history of early American Shaker and Pennsylvania Dutch furniture pieces. He and Valerie moved to Florida in 1994 after deciding "if the temperature was lower than your age you shouldn't go out." He continued his wood working hobby and had a beautiful workshop turning his attention to making miniature furniture reproductions and dollhouses. He built an exact replication of Thomas Jefferson's honeymoon cottage complete with furnishings. He researched all his projects with gusto and what fact he couldn't verify he would provide with an embellished explanation. He loved his pets and owned several over the course of his life. The most recent addition a rescue dog called Sophie, gave him immense joy the past few months. Of course those who knew him over the years will remember Virgil and Nikki along with Sooner the wonder dog and Bert and Ernie the faithful dachshunds. In addition to adding stray pets to the household he always opened doors for others who might need a helping hand. His home saw many temporary guests. A private service in Florida will be scheduled in the future at the family's convenience. Cremation has taken place. Those wishing to share their memories with the family should leave their message @ wwwNewcomerAkron.com. Those wishing to donate in his memory are asked to send it to "One of a Kind Pet Rescue", 1929 West Market Street, Akron Ohio 44313.
Surprise in Heaven
anonymous
I dreamt death came the other night
And Heaven's gate swung wide.
An angel with a halo bright
Ushered me inside.
And there! To my astonishment
Stood folks I'd judged and labeled
As "quite unfit", "of little worth",
And "spiritually disabled".
Indignant words rose to my lip
But never were set free,
For every faced showed stunned surprise—
Not one expected me!