A Political Science honor graduate of Tuskegee University and a recipient of a Juris Doctorate degree from The University of Akron School of Law, Judge Randolph Baxter went home to be with the Lord on Monday July 31, 2023. He was born on August 15, 1946 to Lenon and Willie Hood Baxter in Columbia, Tennessee. Judge Baxter was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Lou Willie (AI) Green, Lulabell (Palmer) Joyce, and Mattie Mae Baxter; brothers Howard Baxter, Lenon Baxter Jr., Joseph Baxter, Pillow Baxter, John Baxter, and Charles Edward Baxter.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Yvonne; four children: Mark (Leigh) Gooden, Kimberly Baxter-Lee, Scott (Kara) Gooden, and Melissa Gooden; seven grandchildren; sisters-in law Louise Baxter, Beverly Baxter, Paulette Walker, and Janice Kennerly; brothers-in-law Dr. Ronald (Monica) Williams and Drs. Michael (Diana) Williams; and many special nieces and nephews.
During his lifetime, Judge Baxter was a tank platoon leader in the United States Army while serving with the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. He attained the rank of captain, and commanded a tank company before resigning his officer commission in 1971.
Before serving 25+ years as a Bankruptcy Judge, Judge Baxter was employed with B. F. Goodrich Company; as Courts Planner for the Summit County Criminal Justice Commission; as Deputy Director, Department of Public Service, City of Akron, Oh; and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. In that capacity, he initially served as Civil Division trial lawyer and later became Chief Appellate Litigator where he argued numerous cases in the federal appellate courts.
In recognition of his litigator skills, he received awards from the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal agencies. He is published in Who’s Who In American Law and in Who’s Who in the United States. Additionally, he served as an adjunct professor at the College of Business, Kent State University and as an adjunct professor at the School of Law at the University of Akron, where he was awarded the Adjunct Professor of the year Award by the University of Akron’s School of Law.
After retiring from the Bankruptcy Bench, Judge Baxter served a term as president of AARP of Ohio, and he was recognized as a 50+ member of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.
Brother Randy enjoyed biking, fishing, golfing, and relaxing. He was a faithful member of The House of the Lord for over 30 years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The House of the Lord church in Akron, Ohio, 44320.