Mr. Robert Craig Baxter

Robert Craig Baxter, 49, of Apopka, Florida passed away peacefully on August 22, 2022, following his courageous 18-month battle with Glioblastoma. Robert was born in Baltimore, Maryland and moved to Florida at the age of three. He graduated from Lake Brantley High School in 1991. Robert received a Bachelor’s degree in criminology from USF. He then attended Lively Criminal Justice Academy in Tallahassee. While attending Lively, he was recruited and hired by the Largo Police Department where he worked as a patrol officer for four years.

Robert then transferred to the Orlando Police Department where he served in the patrol division for six years, was then selected as a SOD motor officer, where he was assigned for 11 years, and was also a motor instructor. He was a part of the marine patrol unit as well as certified on the bike unit. He was a founding member of the Emergency Services Unit, which he was a member through retirement. The last four years of his career, he was assigned to the Orlando International Airport. Robert served the City of Orlando for 21 years after which his diagnosis forced him to retire.

Robert was a devoted husband and father leaving behind his two pride and joys; Sophia (15) and Reed (9), as well as his loving wife, Jillian. He is also survived by his mother; Maryjane McLaughlin (Maria Rexach); father; Rodney Craig Baxter (Donna); sister, Shannon Reynolds (Chris); aunt, Patricia Beck (Joseph); uncle, Michael McLaughlin (Linda); as well as many memories and a love of Robert with his mother-in-law, Jane Kulics; father-in-law, Daniel Kulics (predeceased); brother-in-law, Ryan Kulics (Dana); sister-in-law, Amanda Overall (Robert); as well as many nieces and nephew, and his extended law enforcement family.

Robert’s biggest accomplishments were his two amazing children that he has always been so very proud of. Next to the love that he had for his wife and children were that of motorcycles. He was an avid rider who enjoyed his yearly mancations riding through the mountains and the many adventurous trips he had taken. He also had a love of planning the best family vacations.

Robert was such a devoted husband, father, son, and friend who will be missed by so many. Services will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 6803 Old Highway 441 S, Mount Dora, Florida 32757 on Friday, September 16th at 9:00 a.m.