Willard E. Baxter, Ph.D.

Dr. Willard E. Baxter, age 86, of Newark, DE, UD Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. Born in Chester, PA, Dr. Baxter was the son of the late James H. and Carrie E. Baxter. He was a graduate of Glen-Nor High School and received his BS from Ursinus College in 1951, MS from the University of Wisconsin in 1952 and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1956. Dr. Baxter taught at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio for 2 years. In 1958, he joined the faculty at the University of Delaware, where he taught for 36 years. During his tenure at UD, he was president of the faculty senate, chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences and president of the AAUP. His former students remember him as an energetic and enthusiastic teacher. The Mathematical Association of America commended his distinguished service as Chairman, Governor and Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Pennsylvania Delaware Section. Willard was active in his community. He served on the City of Newark Planning Commission and was president of the Delaware Academy of Science. His strong interest in the teaching of mathematics led him to co-found the Delaware Secondary School Mathematics League in 1986. After his retirement, Willard was a member of the Deltones Barbershop Chorus. For 17 years, he volunteered as a mathematics tutor at Newark High School and was recognized for his dedication to the students by the Newark Morning Rotary Club, the BTL Foundation, the News Journal and the Christina Board of Education. In 2006, Willard received an honorary diploma from Newark High School. Willard was an avid sports fan. He followed the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team from his early youth and attended University of Delaware football games for many years. He was a beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alvina B. (Braun) Baxter; brother Wayne H. Baxter; children Barbara Baxter (Marc Postman); Janet Baxter; Nancy Belunis (Charles); grandchildren Alyssa, Claire, Amanda and Thomas; and eight nieces and nephews. Interment will be private. A memorial will be held at a future date. The family kindly requests memorial contributions to Ursinus College. Please note that gifts are in memory of Willard E. Baxter, and mail to the Office of Advancement, 601 E. Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426 or online at www.ursinus.edu/makegift

Willard E. Baxter, Ph.D.

December 14, 1929 - June 28, 2016