One of the negatives in emerging from our youth is that the world, which once seemed so large and unlimited, betrays itself for what it really is... especially as the people we've come to admire and care for leave our senses.

One of the finest writers to EVER wax aero-poetic, Gordon Baxter, of "Bax Seat" fame has passed away. Bax was 81, when he passed away Saturday, at the Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital.

An obituary in his hometown paper, the Beaumont Enterprise, reports that a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 17, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Port Arthur. A Wake service will be held Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home.

The Enterprise properly described Bax as a "Beaumont institution, he was a writer, radio broadcaster, pilot, husband, father, grandpa and friend. He was an independent spirit whose passion for life has touched our community in extraordinary ways." Well said.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Baxter of Beaumont; six daughters and sons-in-law, Molly and Alan Rayne of New Castle, Colorado, Bonnie and Carson Patterson of Alief, Texas, Margie and Bill Davis of Leakey, Texas, Laurie and Greg May of Midland, Texas, Martha and Ross Hansen of Pinewood and Jenny Baxter of Beaumont; three sons, Gordon F. Baxter III and wife Linda of Palestine, Texas, Roney Baxter and wife Vickie of Beaumont and Jim Baxter of Beaumont; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas R. Baxter.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gordon Baxter Scholarship Fund at Lamar University, c/o Texas State Bank, 4285 E. Lucas, Beaumont, Texas 77703. 1155 N. 11th St. Beaumont, Texas (409)892-3456

In a way of life that has seen many men and women able and willing to speak and write eloquently about the gift of flight, few were as inspired and as comfortable in writing about the magic of it all, and no one did it as sweetly. Bax... we'll miss you.

FMI: www.claybarfuneralhome.com