Joan Bennett Baxter, age 80, passed away unexpectedly at her home on April 25, 2026.

Born on August 28, 1945, in Austin, Texas, to Joe Fred and Mavis Bennett, Joan spent her childhood in Coolidge, Texas, where she graduated from high school. After graduation, she moved to Huntsville, Texas, to attend Sam Houston State University. It was there that she met the love of her life and true soulmate, Charles "Tank" Baxter. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership built on faith, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to family.

Joan possessed a quiet strength and loved deeply and completely, shaping the lives of all who knew her.  During her lifetime she could often be found at a Huntsville High School football game, Sam Houston basketball game or at a ballfield supporting her daughters and grandsons.  For the past several years, you could find her most Friday nights at a local Mexican restaurant, gathering with the "Friday Ladies Group" to share laughter and dinner with close friends. Joan also had a deep love for animals and found great joy in reading.

Joan was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Beth Baxter Crittenden and Brooke Baxter Davis, and a cherished mother‑in‑law to Charlie Crittenden and the late Jerry Davis. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to her two grandsons, Kyle Crittenden and Ryder Davis, who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles "Tank" Baxter, her parents Joe Fred and Mavis Bennett, her brother Ric Bennett, and her son‑in‑law Jerry Davis.

A visitation for Joan Bennett Baxter will be held at 10:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026, followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Oak Funeral Home, 1080 I‑45, Huntsville, TX 77340. Interment will follow immediately at Brooke Cemetery, 672 FM 980, Huntsville, TX 77320.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to the Huntsville Public Library Friends or to Rita B. Huff Adoption Center (Humane Society of Walker County) in Huntsville, Texas.

A gathering of friends and family will follow the services at Rodeo Mexican Bar and Grill in Huntsville.