Ernest “Ernie” Marion Baxter, 82, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Monday, June 1, 2020. He was born in Grand Junction, Colorado to Warren and Mabel (Barker) Baxter.

He and the rest of his family moved from Grand Junction, Colorado in the early 1940’s, and settled in Sweet Home.

Ernie grew up in the Assembly of God Church. He was an excellent athlete, excelling in Football, Wrestling and Track. He was the first person to be inducted into the Sweet Home High School Hall of Fame, an honor he was very proud of. After graduation, he spent a lifetime in the timber industry. He started out with Georgia-Pacific after High School, and at 19 became the youngest boss they had ever hired. He had a knack for heavy equipment and eventually owned and ran Holley Construction LTD for over 25 years.

He loved coon hounds from a young age. He spent many a night hunting with them. His favorite place was the Steen Mountains – a place where he could hunt and fish. He and Pat followed Sweet Home Wrestling until their passing.

Ernie is survived by his four children: Kandy Miller, Sonya and her husband Terry McFarland, Shim and his wife Shauna Baxter, Mike and his wife Aileen Baxter; ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Pat Baxter; parents Warren and Mabel Baxter; and grandson Cody McFarland.

Celebration of Life will be 2 – 4 pm Sunday July 12th at 41186 McQueen Drive.

Memorial Contributions can be made in his name to the Pat Baxter Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Cody McFarland Memorial Scholarship Fund both through SHAF.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.