1956-2026
John Jeffrey “Jeff” Baxter, age 70 of Kelso, Arkansas, passed away on March 23, 2026, in Manatee County, Florida. Jeff was born on January 22, 1956, in Dermott, Arkansas, to W.A. “Bill” and Mary Jane Baxter.
Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Rosemary Taylor Baxter; his daughter, Madelin Baxter Meiers (Gilles) of Austin, Texas; his son, Dick Baxter (Sarah) of Cabot and Kelso, Arkansas; and his grandchildren, Walt Baxter, Blair Baxter, Carole Meiers, and Eleanor Meiers. He is also survived by his brothers, William Thomas Baxter (Trudy) and Samuel Robert Baxter (Lisa), both of Little Rock, Arkansas, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W.A. “Bill” and Mary Jane Baxter, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Dermott and Kelso, Arkansas.
Jeff had a larger-than-life personality. He was gregarious, outgoing, and quick-witted, and could find common ground with anyone. He loved to strike up conversations with friends and strangers alike, and showed genuine interest in their lives, whether big picture, or day-to-day minutiae. While he was quick to laugh with friends and family, he was a very driven and serious man who loved hard work. He was also generous and happy to help those in need. And you never met anyone as optimistic as Jeff when he was headed out to the deer stand or to tackle a challenge on the farm.
An avid outdoorsman, Jeff loved hunting, fishing, and conservation. He was an accomplished wing shooter and loved quail, dove, and waterfowl hunting all over the Americas. But what he loved most was managing habitat for and hunting white-tailed deer on the family farm. He had a deep love for the land and instilled that same pride and appreciation in his children and grandchildren.
Jeff began working at Baxter Land Company as a young boy. At the time of his passing, he served as president of the company and had over 60 years of farming experience. Over his lifetime, he worked in every aspect of the business, including farming grain and cotton and running the company’s catfish farm. In the 1980s, he spearheaded the company’s entry into the aquaculture industry, starting with a small number of ponds. Today, Baxter Land Company is recognized as one of the nation’s leaders in hybrid catfish production.
Jeff was honored by numerous fellow farmers who nominated him to represent their industry on various advisory boards. Several governors appointed him to serve on numerous agricultural committees and boards, including The Cotton Board, Arkansas Ag Council, Catfish Farmers of America, The Catfish Institute, National Aquaculture Association, Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board, USDA Wildlife Services Advisory Board, and various drainage district and conservation boards, among others.
Jeff cherished time spent with his family above all else and was never happier than when everyone was together. Rosemary was the love of his life; she supported him through all the stress that farming and country living can bring. He was especially proud that such a lovely woman grew to share his passion for deer hunting and fishing (and on many occasions landed the bigger fish or trophy buck). Becoming a grandfather changed him profoundly—his grandchildren were the light of his life. He loved sharing the outdoors, travel, and stories with them
Memorial donations in Jeff’s name may be made to support stroke care in rural hospitals including the Delta Memorial Hospital in Dumas, Arkansas and the McGehee, Arkansas Hospital, or to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
A memorial service is scheduled for April 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Methodist Church of Dumas, followed by a celebration of his life at noon at the Walnut Lake Country Club. The family invites everyone to attend dressed as they are.
Arrangements made by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, AR.
