Raoul Baxter

Raoul Baxter

It is with great sadness, the family of Raoul J. Baxter announces his passing after a sudden illness, on Friday, March 9, 2018, at the age of 68 years old. Raoul will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Barbara (Marcum) and his children, Chris Baxter (Karra) and Teal Graeter (Spencer), his four grandchildren: Jackson (11), Gracie (9), Wyatt (8) and Clover (3), his sisters, Janica Johnson, Lark Baxter and brothers, Chris Baxter (Cindy) and Rill Baxter (Ellie). Nieces and nephews: Todd Johnson, Kelly Harper, Bonnie Kellogg, Trevor Baxter, Trinian O'Neil, Hunter and Lillie Baxter Raoul will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. Raoul was a graduate of Riverview High School in Sarasota, FL in 1966. He graduated from Centre College with a B.A. in History, Russian Language and Biology in 1970 where he was a member of the football and tennis teams, and a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon “Deke” fraternity. He then went on to receive a Master’s in Equine Nutrition from the University of Kentucky in 1974. Raoul received his Juris Doctorate from Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 1982 where he received recognition of Outstanding Academic Achievement from Phi Alpha Delta. He also completed the Executive Business Program at the University of Cincinnati in 1983 followed by the Executive Business Development Program from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University in 1984.  Raoul started his career at Bi-County Farm Bureau as an Animal Nutritionist and Sales Manager in 1976 before joining Kahn’s Company/ Sara Lee Meat Group where he served as the youngest Senior Vice President in company history through 1987. He went on from there to serve as the youngest Senior Vice President in company history for John Morrell & Company until 1992.  After this, Raoul worked for Smithfield Foods for over 25 years serving as the VP of Business Development, President of Smithfield J.V. Company in Mexico, and President of Smithfield International. Since retiring from Smithfield in 2006, Raoul has worked consulting with companies around the world.  Of all Raoul’s accomplishments, he was the proudest of his children and grandchildren, who were truly the joy and light of his life. Raoul was lovingly called “Pop Pop” by his grandchildren who loved him as much he loved them. Pop Pop never missed a game, a tournament, recital, play, musical, or anything the kids have been involved with. They will sorely miss their Pop Pop’s presence.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 6:00PM at Lakeside Park Presbyterian Church (2690 Dixie Hwy, Lakeside Park KY 41017) with visitation beforehand from 4:00-6:00PM. A celebration of Raoul’s life will follow the service at Fort Mitchell Country Club.  Pictured above with Raoul, is his angel on earth, Amy Harmon. Amy gave Raoul the gift of life by donating her kidney to him in June. Because of Amy’s gift, his last 9 months of life were free from pain and dialysis and he was able to truly enjoy his time with his family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Kidney Foundation.  Ronald B. Jones Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences to www.ronaldbjones.com.