Ezra Devoy Baxter

"EZ" Devoy Baxter

Ezra Devoy Baxter 83, passed away peacefully in the arms of his children and surrounded by his wife and family on December 11, 2012 in Logan, Utah. Devoy was born on November 26, 1929 in Hyrum to William Sanford and Sarah Peterson Baxter.

He lived his entire life in Hyrum, except for the two years that he served an LDS mission in the Southwest Indian Mission.

After returning from his mission, he married Colleen Eliason in the Logan LDS Temple on March 12, 1954. Devoy worked in the construction field for many years and also for the Cache County School District where he retired after 28 years. He always loved his job and the people he worked with. Since he was a teenager, Devoy has always run the family dry farm, where he loved to sit on his tractor and work the fields. He always enjoyed tinkering in his workshop and he has always been there to help others in need.

Devoy served several terms on the Hyrum City Council and was a past member of the Lion's Club. He was also a member of the volunteer fire department for 18 years. When the siren sounded…it was just a short run up Mill Hill and he was there getting the fire trucks on their way. He served as a counselor in the bishopric and as a member of the High Council. He, along with Colleen, worked for many years in the Logan LDS Temple baptistry.

Devoy's philosophy in life has always been, "As long as you have your family and good health, that’s all that really matters."

He loved spending time each summer in Blacksmith Fork Canyon surrounded by family. Devoy also enjoyed traveling to many different destinations; an Alaskan cruise with family and friends was a favorite.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Colleen, children Kevin (Jill) Baxter of Mt. Sterling; Maxine (Larry) Speth of North Logan; Linnea (Rick) Zilles of College Ward; grandchildren Brandon (Melissa) Speth and children Noah, Lily, Ashlyn and Paisley; Angela (Justin) Hatch and children Brooklyn, Kaden and Makynlee; Caitlin, Megan and Taylor Baxter; Whitney (Mike) Boam and son Damon; Cody and Sara Zilles; sisters Arlene Hall of Hyrum, Beverly (Leroy) Heineken of St. George. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Leta Liljenquist, Max Baxter and an infant brother.

A viewing will be held Friday, December 14th from 6-8 pm at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E Center Street in Logan. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 15th at 1:00 at the Hyrum North Stake Center, 245 North 700 East, Hyrum, with a viewing from 11:30 – 12:30 prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net

A special thanks to Dr. Mark Firth and his staff for their compassionate care over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hyrum 5th Ward Missionary Fund.

In honor of Devoy’s giving legacy and love of the Christmas season, please follow his example and reach out to those in need.