Allen K Baxter

With a broken heart, I’m sad to announce the passing of my Allen Baxter. Allen was born the sixth child of William and Rowena Baxter on New Year’s Day in 1951 in Ardmore Oklahoma.

Allen, his parents and five siblings arrived in Santa Barbara when he was 4. Allen often told me “ we were the Beverly hillbillies, but without any money” Allen attended McKinley school and finish sixth grade at Harding. He attended La Cumbre Jr high and graduated from SBHS in 1969 and attended SBCC.

Allen was an accomplished athlete and an avid surfer. He played Pee-wee league, baseball, ran track, basketball at the boys club, jr high and high school. When older he played for the roadrunners, Bob’s Glass and other teams in town, he played many softball tournaments in Ojai, Santa Barbara, NorCal and various states. He won many MVP awards for his softball in NorCal and was inducted into the Santa Barbara softball Hall of Fame in 2001.

Allen surfed up and down the coast and all through Baja California with his bros. Allen would stay in Baja for months and loved and learned the Hispanic culture. Allen left Santa Barbara in his early 30s and lived in Norcal until his early 60s. He made so many friends in NorCal and they will be holding their own paddle out for him at a later date. He then moved to San Diego and was welcomed by the surf culture in San Diego.

Allen met Mary Ellen Broeffle at their 50th high school reunion, started talking and started a long distance relationship. They drove back-and-forth from San Diego to Ojai until he moved in with Mary Ellen. They love their life in Ojai with daily trips to C St., Emma Wood or Rincon. They made many trips to San Diego, NorCal, and Santa Barbara to visit family and friends.

Allen always wanted to go back home, after a few years in Ojai we moved back to Santa Barbara. Allen was truly happy, he finally had his forever home and family in his beloved Santa Barbara. We enjoyed beach walks, and outings from da pit to Rincon, happy hours, dancing, many activities with friends and always chasing sunsets. He loved having our friends and “our” kids coming over to our home. We also enjoyed the comfort of just each other.

Allen passed October 30 in the ICU at cottage with Mary Ellen, his sister, Jade, and friends by his side. Allen was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Warner and Bill Baxter and sister Anita Baxter Perry.

Allen is survived by Mary Ellen and children, brother Jim Baxter, sisters Donna Baxter and Jade Baxter and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Thanks to all my family and friends for their visits and keeping Allen and I company. His happiest day in the ICU was when Josh Bradbury brought Bodie and Willow for a visit. I want to give a special thank you to Larry Preston for being with me every day at the hospital. He stayed with us for hours day or night for which I truly appreciate.

A paddle out and memorial will be held after the holidays at his beloved Ledbetter

I will see you in every wave and see you in every sunset. You were loved more than you’ll ever know.