Walter F. "Wally" Baxendale's Obituary
Walter F. (Wally) Baxendale, age 92, was called home to Heaven on April 15, 2025. He was born on February 2, 1933, the son of Susie Westwood and Walter E. Baxendale. He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War, with the 2nd Division, 9th Infantry Regiment (Manchu),stationed at Ft. Lewis Washington, and was a member of the Second Indianhead Division Association. Wally taught 5th grade and was a high school guidance counselor (NNHS) in Naperville IL. He was active in the Illinois Education Association and as a member of the West Suburban Retired Teachers Association. He was a member of West Suburban Lapidary Club where he taught classes and was a motorcycle enthusiast involved in the Gypsy Wheels M/C, Patriot Guard Riders, and the Christian Motorcycle Association-Kingdom Warriors Chapter. Wally was a faithful member of West Chicago Bible Church for 52 years, serving as an Elder, adult Sunday School teacher, Usher, and Greeter.
Wally is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joyce Carol (Epps- Eckhardt) Baxendale; children,Mary Elizabeth (Baxendale) Alderson (Ralph), Patricia Lynn (Baxendale) Cook (Alan), Walter Scott Baxendale, Jennifer (Eckhardt) aka Kyrie Drake (Aaryk); grandchildren,Cynthia Rae (Alderson) Frame (Russ), Timothy Michael Alderson (Grisel), Cheryl Lynn (Alderson) Dobbins, Daniel Scott Alderson (Lorelei), Stephan Andrew Cook (Bethany), Kyle James Cook (Gemma), Brian Elliott Cook (Jamie) and Brian Marc Drake; 20 great-grandchildren and relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Baxendale, sister Marion (Baxendale) Blakemore, former wife, Mary Alice (Elliott) Baxendale, and son, Jeffrey Eckhardt Baxendale.
Funeral services were already held. His remains will be interred in the Star of Hope Mausoleum at Graceland Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Walter?
What’s a lesson you learned from Walter?
Share a story where Walter's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Walter you’ll never forget.
How did Walter make you smile?
