Carl Dean Baxter's Obituary
Carl “Dean” Baxter Beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Carl “Dean” Baxter, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 87. Born on
January 24, 1938, in Tulsa to Orus and Nell Baxter, Dean spent his life deeply rooted in the city he loved. He dedicated most of his career to Crest Engineering and Willbros as a drafting engineer, with a brief stint in California at Fenner Engineering. His work took him to projects in Scotland, Indonesia, and offshore oil rigs in the Pacific Ocean. Dean was a passionate supporter of University of Oklahoma football, and his love for the Sooners ran deep. Sharing that passion with his family was a cherished part of his life, and many of his grandchildren would go on to attend OU, continuing his legacy and his devotion to the university. A lifelong lover of fishing, Dean often found peace and joy on the water with a rod in hand. Though naturally shy, he lit up when talking about sports, dogs, or politics. His faith, which he embraced later in life, brought him comfort, clarity, and hope. A man of few words with a subtle sense of humor, Dean will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Carl Baxter Jr.; his brother, Richard Baxter; and his sister, JoAnn Brook.
He is survived by his son, Chris Baxter, and wife Marie; daughter, Melissa Hays; sister, Betty Gower; grandchildren, Lena Baxter, Melinda Lane, Erin Anthony, Shannon Warren, Colin Hays, Sullivan Baxter, and Silas Baxter; numerous great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.
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