James Lee Baxter, 70, rural South Whitley, died at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at home.

He was born June 4, 1952. On Sept. 13, 1969, he married Donna Jean Wilfong, who survives.

He also is survived by a son, Chad (Michele) Baxter, Columbia City; a daughter Mindy (Jeff) Plank, Auburn; his mother, Clela Baxter, Columbia City; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sisters, Elizabeth (James) Walter, Albuquerque, N.M., and Penny (Chris) Haegert, Larwill.

Smith & Sons Funeral Home, South Whitley, is handling arrangements.