Martin T. Baxter, 88, died Sunday, August 29, 2021. Born in Phoebus, he was given the nickname "Scooter" for his speed at getting groceries. He lived with his grandmother until he was 9 years old then moved to Gosnold Hope Park with his parents and spent his later teen years living on Harris Creek Road. A Hampton High School graduate, he joined the Air Force in April 1953 and left with an honorable discharge April 1957 as an Airman 1st Class.  While in the Air Force he won a national Defense Service medal and Good Conduct medal.  After the Air Force, he returned to Virginia where he retired from civil service at NASA as Chief of Aircraft Maintenance in 1988 after 35 years. He specialized in helicopters and aircraft that you can find in the Smithsonian Institute and on Mercury Boulevard.

He met the love of his life, Vivian Jeanette Baxter (Spencer), in 1955 in Melbourne, Florida.  They were married November 10, 1956 and were about to celebrate their 65th anniversary.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, his loving wife whom he adored, and loved playing and watching sports, especially the University of Virginia.  He was an avid hunter, fisher and crabber growing up and couldn't wait to get home after school to take his dogs in the woods.  He was a baseball coach and mentor to many young men in the Phoebus area and was cherished by all.

Preceded in death by his son, Ronald Allen Baxter and his sister, Barbara Ann Baxter; survivors include his sons, Martin Thomas Baxter, II and Timothy Andrew Baxter and his wife, Angie; three grandchildren, Brenda Marie Baxter, Sierra Renee Baxter, and Bryson Clay Baxter; and two sisters, Dollie Mae Lewis and Kathy Jean Caldwell and their husbands Mike Lewis and Charlie Caldwell.  He also has numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

The family will receive friends from 8:30-9:30 AM Saturday, September 4, 2021 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home with a funeral service beginning at 9:30 in the funeral home chapel. Interment with Air Force honors will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park.