Malcolm (Duke) Baxter

Date of Death: August 16, 2009

Malcolm (Duke) Baxter, age 60, of Flemington (Delaware Township), NJ, died Sunday, August 16, 2009, at home. He was born on September 5, 1948, in Somerville, NJ the son of Nicole (Floc) Baxter and the late Malcolm Baxter. He lived most of his life in Bridgewater, NJ before moving to Flemington in 2000. For many years he was Chef and partner at La Champagne restaurant in Flemington and will always be remembered for his infectious smile and unique personality. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife Diana; his daughter, Renee; two sons, Duke and his wife Michelle, and Jason and his wife Christy; five grandchildren, Madelyn, Matthew, Brady, Kiley and Alexandra; a brother Leroy and his wife Marie-Noelle; and a sister, Francine and her husband Larry. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 8:00 PM in the Robert L. Ford Funeral Home, #38 Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. Interment will be private. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, August 20, 2009 from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and from 6:00 until time of service. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Malcolm (Duke) Baxter Jr. can be donated to: Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center Hunterdon Medical Center 2100 Westcott Drive Flemington, NJ 08822 HunterdonHealthCare.Org http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/services/cancer_care/cancer.asp The family would like to thank all those who participated in his care.

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9/14/09 Larry Shea I just want to express my gratitude to those folks that shared their stories and experiences drawn from knowing the Baxter family. Leroy and Elf's recount of growing up with friends and family really struck a cord and had a polarizing effect on everyone who attended the memorial, you could hear a pin drop. You just can't love one you gota love them all comes to mind when I read your thoughts.

To Diane and family and Francine and family, I just found out about the sad news. I'm so sorry. Some of the best memories and stories of my life that I will never forget and that I have shared with many others, including my own family, were spent with Duke at his home in Somerville. Regardless of the occasion...a Halloween party, an evening of "walking the table," or just some friendly conversation and cocktails, you always left Duke's home feeling better about life. If recently you said that you have been meaning to look up an old friend, do it today, don't wait like I did. My love to all of you, Vic, Rose Ann and family

Just found out about Duke's passing. So, so sorry. It has been years, but still thought of you guys often. Love, Claudeen

Baxter/Frankenfield Families- I too just heard of this sad news. I am a bit embarrassed to have not been there to show my respect and love. My most sincere condolences to all. Duke was a constant figure in my life as a teen and young adult and that relationship guided and mentored me into my adulthood. I will never forget those years, the laughter, the tears, the love, the hugs, the music, the parties. I will forever smile when when I think of Duke as I always have. Love, JoJo

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Was deeply saddened to hear about Duke. (I did not find out unti Friday). He will be sorely missed, that's for sure. Such a great loss for the Baxter family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

We will deeply miss Duke!!! Duke was a great friend to our family for many years. We loved his hearty laugh and that big smile. He was my sponsor for my conformation many years ago. He loved his family very much,truely a great man! Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Tave, Robin & the girls

To the entire Baxter family--how sad a day this is to have lost such a likeable gentleman. Duke was a wonderful man who always laughed and smiled at life. We will always remember the great times we had together with the kids growing up and especially the great times we had down the shore. He will always be in all of our hearts and when we think of him a smile will always come to our face. Now you can rest in peace Duke.

I am so very sorry to hear about Duke's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers go out to Duke and to all of your family. He was a wonderful man with a huge heart and I am glad to have known him and had the opportunity to call him my friend. Deepest love and condolences to the Baxter Family. Maria Angelozzi Whitlatch

I had the privledge of knowing Mr. B for pretty much most of my life. He was such a strong spirit and as most people said here, his laugh was so powerful that you couldn't help but laugh along with him. He will be greatly missed! My love and prayers reach out to the entire Baxter family during such a difficult time... God Bless and rest easy Mr. B.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Baxter family. From the time I was 12 years old my brother-in-law and I had a very special bond. The times we spent together will always be cherished. Duke was a very special man, father and friend. Family was very important to him. He was very proud of his children and the special people they became. He is now their angel and I know he will be watching over them all. I will miss you. FOREVER IN MY HEART

Jason/Duke and family im so sorry to hear about your dad. I remember him always at all the baseball games with that smile so happy watching his sons. Loss as I know never comes easy but take what he has taught you in life and never forget it. Your dad was a great man Im going to miss him.

My most heartfelt sympathy to all of you. I can only offer the thought that Duke is in a better place, perhaps now he is truly the free spirit the seemed to always dwell inside him.

I can't remember ever seeing Mr. B without his signature smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Baxter family.

Thankfully he is now at rest, although his job is not yet done. Mr. Baxter, I know, will take tremendous pride in watching over his wonderful family, keeping his love close to their hearts during their lifetime of travels. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you have lost a special piece of your puzzle.

My heart goes out to the Baxter family. Mr Baxter had a smile and a laugh that was so infectious if you heard it miles away you knew it was him. I had the pleasure of being in his company for many years as Jason and I grew up together. We always looked forward to him feeding us at parties and when we spent time at the Baxters. He had a special place in the hearts of his children who I know will miss him dearly. One thing you know is he is looking down on his three children and smiling big and proud of the people they have become.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Baxter family. Let me tell you I will nver forget his contagious laugh. Mr. B always coulod put a smile on my face.

What to say... Mr. B was an ever joyful spirit- always smiling...never a cross word to say of anyone and never a complaint from his mouth! We had many a good time over the years! He will be surely missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Baxter Family. Always remember the good times!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.