Gary Lane Baxter

Gary Lane Baxter, age 84, a longtime resident of Kettle Falls, WA, passed away on Sept. 7, 2026, in Spokane, WA. Gary was born on Aug. 18, 1942, in Colville, WA, the son of James Benedict and Phyllis Jean (Tesch) Baxter. He was raised in Kettle Falls, where he played football and graduated as a twelve-year senior from Kettle Falls High School in 1961. Gary then worked alongside his father on the tugboats that transported lumber on the Columbia River. He met Diana L. Vining and soon their courtship led to marriage on Sept. 27, 1963, in Colville. 

They later moved to Seattle, WA, where Gary worked as a welder for Pacific Car and Foundry where one of the highlights included welding on the beams used in the World Trade Center in New York City. Their family continued to grow and in 1969 they returned to Kettle Falls, WA, community with a one year stay in Spokane along the way. Upon their return home, Gary worked for a time at Boise Cascade, Colmac, and then the Stevens County Road Department. Gary retired in 2001 from Northwest Alloys after 25 years. When Gary wasn’t working, enjoyed being home in his shop. Over the years he raised many chickens, rabbits, ducks, and milk cows. Gary spent most of his time in his shop working on anything with a motor, as well as welding on many projects, including deck railings for family and friends. 

He was very proud of those projects. He was a diehard General Motors fan. Any visits by friends and family ultimately ended up with the hood of their car up. God forbid if that vehicle was foreign made-you would never hear the end of it. Gary also had an affinity for old movies and westerns and would often quiz everyone on who the actors and actresses were. Gary loved his family. He also loved his neighbors and spent many hours plowing the neighborhood driveways on his tractor, another one of his favorite toys. 

He and Diana shared time playing cards with friends, socializing, and visiting with family. With grins, his family will remember Gary’s strong will, spoken opinion, and concern for their wellbeing. Gary is preceded in death by his brothers, Ron and Terry Baxter. Gary is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Diana Baxter, at their home; children, Scott Baxter of Spokane Valley, WA, Chris Baxter of Cheney, WA, Dawn Sanchez (Mike) of Spokane, WA, Shawn Baxter (Richele) of Spokane Valley, WA; grandchildren, Devon, Connor, Brooklyn, Garrett, Jameson; great grandchildren, Alessa-Lin and Emersyn. 

A graveside service for Mr. Gary Lane Baxter will begin at 3 p.m. on Monday September 28, 2026, at the Meyers Falls Cemetery in Kettle Falls, WA. Attendees are encouraged to wear your favorite flannel shirt and hat in his honor. Memorial contributions may be sent to the charity of your choice. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.