George S. Baxter

George S. Baxter, 92 of Newman, passed away at Reflections Memory Care in Savoy on February 26, 2025.

George was born and raised in rural Newman, Illinois, the son of James Stanley and Bernace Margaret (Skidmore) Baxter. He married his partner and rock Ruth Ann Trinkle on November 20, 1955. She survives. He is also survived by 4 children: Byron Stanley “Bernie” (Garnetta) Baxter of Newman, Mark Raymond (Pam) of Brocton, Sheila Ann, and Keith George both of Newman. George leaves grandchildren Jason Harden, Dr. Angela Baxter, Ashley Stewart, Matt Baxter, Brandton Baxter, and Elissa DeVore along with 9 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Audrey Porter and Freida Clapp.

George served in the United States Navy from 1952 – 1953 and was stationed in San Diego and Japan. While in the Navy, George, a musician at heart, had the good fortune to play drums for many well-known bands across the country including the legendary Boots Randolph. Upon his discharge, George returned to the farm as the second-generation operator of Nev’r Idle Farm, now in its fourth generation, which boasts the oldest milking shorthorn herd in Illinois established by his parents in 1935. In addition, George, known as the Singin’ Drummer, was an over-the-road truck driver, logging 4 million miles driving coast to coast. He loved farming and the dairy business and served on the American Milking Shorthorn Society Board and was recognized as a Master Breeder by the Illinois Purebred Dairy Cattle Association in 2010. The Nev’r Idle Farm herd won numerous trophies under his guidance and today remains a much sought after breeding herd. George was an icon on the fair circuit each summer and provided employment and learning experiences for area young men willing to work hard at the fairs or on the hay baler.

George was a member of the United Federation of Musicians Union for over 70 years with most of those years as a member of the Gene Trimble Orchestra. Music was in his soul, and he would always sit down at the drums and play and sing with anyone who wanted. He was also a member of the Newman United Methodist Church, and was a 70-year member of the Stanton Burgett Post #201 American Legion.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at the Newman Township Cemetery, Newman, Illinois. Memorials should be directed to the Newman United Methodist Church. A celebration of life will follow at the Stanton Burgett Post #201 American Legion in Newman.

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