RUTLAND — Gerald E. “Jerry” Baxter, 89, Carlinville, formerly of Hot Springs Village, Ark., and Rutland, died Friday (Aug. 19, 2011) at his residence.

A graveside memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Rutland Cemetery. The Rev. Alan W. Kline will officiate. There will be a celebration of life immediately after the memorial graveside service at the Rutland American Legion Hall. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Madonna Learning Center Inc., 7007 Poplar Ave., Germantown, TN 38138.

He was born July 25, 1922, in Minonk, the son of the late James and Bernice Bridge Baxter. He married Betty Bates in New York City on Feb. 24, 1944.

Jerry was lifelong farmer.

He was a past elder of the Rutland Christian Church; president of the Rutland School Board for 12 years; and also served on the board of the Fire District and Cemetery in Rutland. He graduated from Dana High School, then graduated from Blackburn College and the University of Illinois with degrees in agriculture. Jerry also attended Purdue and Columbia universities. Jerry served his country during World War II in the Navy.

Jerry was an avid golfer, and had five hole-in-ones to his credit.

Surviving are wife, Betty Baxter, Carlinville; daughter, Jennifer (Don) Hamilton, Carlinville; daughter, Jill (Gary) Hamilton, Pawnee; son, Jeff Baxter, Rutland; daughter, Julie (Brad) Olsen, Cordova, Tenn.; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Camilla Slown, Pontiac; brother, Errol (Doris) Baxter, North Aurora; brother, Jim (Noreen) Baxter, Charlotte, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother and sisters: Clinton Baxter, Jewel Thies and Nelle Shearl.