John Ray Baxter

John Ray Baxter was born April 24, 1953, in Oelwein, Iowa. After a short illness, John passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Mayo Hospital in Rochester, MN.

John lived life fast and furious. In his teenage years, he discovered what would become a lifelong passion: auto racing, particularly dirt modifieds. Through racing, John formed countless friendships, many of which remained near and dear to him for decades.

Some of John’s favorite memories began in childhood with the many road trips he took with his mother and the summers they spent together at Lake Okoboji. She taught him to live life to the fullest, a lesson John carried with him throughout his life. He especially treasured the train adventures he took in his early teens to Southern California to visit his cousins.

Throughout his childhood and into early adulthood, John always looked forward to spending time with his cousin Bob Clark while they worked together on the McKay family farms—although when the two of them were together, a little mischief was usually not far behind.

John graduated from Laurens High School in 1972. After attending Iowa Central College, he eventually settled near his ancestral home in Dallas County.

John’s career took him in many directions, and he continued to enjoy working right up until he became ill in May. His work led him to live on and off in Southern California and Texas, but Iowa always remained his true home.

The greatest pride of John’s life was his two sons: Aaron and Kyle. Their love and support for their father remained undaunted throughout his life and his illness.

John was also a devoted, lifelong supporter of the Baxter Cousins Reunion. He took great pride in helping organize the gatherings and carrying on a tradition that has celebrated the family’s roots since 1906.

John lived a life filled with family, friendship, travel, racing, hard work, adventure, and more than a little mischief. Although his journey has come to an end, the stories certainly have not. His family and friends will continue celebrating John’s life and sharing the many memories, adventures, and stories he left behind for generations to come.

John is survived by his two sons: Aaron John, his wife Bobbi, and their children, Cole and Brianna; and his son Kyle Ray, his wife Mindy, and their children, Reese, Cash, and Charlie. Also surviving are his brother Larry, as well as two nephews and two nieces.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ellsworth John and Merna Rose (McKay) Baxter; his brother George; and his grandparents.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel, located at 1721 Park Street in Perry, Iowa. John’s funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, also at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, also known as Prairie Center Cemetery, in Linden, Dallas County, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research in John’s name. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.