In Memory of

DEACON WESLEY F. BAXTER

The Saint Thomas Parish community mourns the loss of Deacon Wesley Baxter who died on Monday, September 28, 2009 at Saint Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Besides his mother, Irene Heater of Painesville, Ohio, he leaves his wife, Judy Pettit Baxter, his two sons, Anthony and his wife Elpiniki Baxter and grandson, Christian Baxter of Cheshire, and David and his wife Heidi Baxter of Florida.

He was employed for the Hartford Courant as a superintendent in its warehouse until his retirement.

Wesley was born on December 17, 1942. He was ordained a Catholic Deacon for the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1985 and served in the ministry at Saint Bridget Church, Cheshire from 1985 to 2000 and at Saint Thomas Church, Southington from 2000 through 2009.

His involvement in the Saint Thomas Parish included preaching during the Liturgies, guiding the Altar Servers, conducting Baptismal preparation sessions, administering the Sacrament of Baptism to babies, sharing with candidates in the R.C.I.A. program, and instructing youth for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Deacon Wes has made a tremendous difference in the lives of all who knew him. His deep love for God and the Church, his commitment to live out the Faith through his daily adherence to the Gospel values and his unwavering spiritual strength inspired all who came in contact with him. He reached out to his students with compassion and conviction as he ministered to them through the teachings of the Sacred Word.

His life of goodness and generosity was evidenced in his own words written to the Altar Servers in his recent notice to them: "It is my pleasure and honor to serve with each and every one of you. Your friend in Jesus, Deacon Wes." 

May Deacon Wes rest in God's Eternal Peace and may we all know God's Eternal Love through him.