Prescott Baxter
Windham — It is with great sadness that the family of Prescott “Pep” Baxter announces his passing Friday, April 19, 2024. He was born Dec. 12, 1928, in Providence, R.I., and raised by his parents, Gladys and Wilton Sr., in Foster, R.I.
Pep joined the U.S. Naval Air Force at the age of 18, and served as a third-class petty officer in the active reserves. At the age of 21, he accepted a job at Tennett Tree Service as a groundman and worked his way up to expert tree trimmer and arborist. He and his wife, Bernice, purchased Tennett Tree Service in 1977. Never looking back, he tenaciously persevered in expanding the business from a small (two-truck) company to the much larger thriving establishment it has become today.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Bernice (Beeney) Baxter. He will be forever cherished by his four children: Bruce Baxter, Sharon Turkia and her husband, Michael, Beverly Huber (Joseph Clark) and Barbara Bohonowicz (Mark Linskens). In addition, he will be lovingly remembered by nine grandchildren: Christian, Jennifer, Brett, Lee Ann, Brittany, Cameron, Nicole, Kyle and Kayla; and 10 great-grandchildren: Carissa, Courtney, Catherine, Caroline, Kane, Emily, Jace, Julia, Cayson and Cali. Pep was predeceased by his parents; as well as his brother, Wilton Baxter Jr., his sister, Connie Tyler; his grandson, Joel Turkia; and his daughterin-law, Cheryl Baxter.
Pep was generous, hardworking, fun, quick-witted and loving. Always “there” for his family and friends. His zest for life was unparalleled as he chose to live it to the fullest and often encouraged others to “count their blessings!” He and his wife enjoyed traveling and spent many weekends at their property on Quaddick Lake, where the saying “the more the merrier” very much applied. Besides boating, he enjoyed riding his Harley, flying his plane and making everyone else look bad on the dance floor!
Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at Tillinghast Funeral Home at 433 Main St., Danielson. A funeral service will be held starting at 10 a.m. Friday, April 26, at the Westfield Congregational Church, 210 Main St., Danielson. Burial will follow at Westfield Cemetery, Danielson. A reception will be held at noon at Black Dog Grille, 146 Park Road, Putnam. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pep’s memory may be made to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.