Retied Federal Judge BaxterPraised For His Service

(Akron, OH) – Hundreds paid tributes to Retired Judge Randolph Baxter of The United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Ohio last week.

Judge Baxter, age 76, passed away on July 31, 2023 in Akron, Ohio. He was a beloved legal professional in Ohio.

A native of Columbia, Judge Randolph Baxter was born on August 15, 1945. He was the son of the late Lenon and Willie Hood Baxter.

A 1963 honors graduate of Columbia Carver Smith High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Tuskegee University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Akron.

A former captain in the U.S. Army, Randolph was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, and other unit citations while serving as tank platoon leader in the Republic of Vietnam and Cambodia with the 11th Armored Calvary regiment.

Judge Baxter was appointed United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Ohio on December 16, 1985, and served in the Court’s Cleveland, Ohio location until his retirement in 2011. He served as Chief Judge between 2004 and 2008.

In recognition of his litigation skills, he received awards from the U.S Department of Justice and other federal agencies.

In 1999, he became one of five charter judges to serve on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Bankruptcy Appellate Panel.

Randolph also practiced law and served as a federal prosecutor with the U.S Department of Justice under the late US Atty for Northeastern Ohio James Williams. and as national secretary of National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges.

He was a member of the Akron/Canton Barristers Club, a 50+ year member of Eta Tau Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and a faithful member of House of the Lord Church.

He is survived by his wife Yvonne Baxter, 4 children, 7 grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service was held on Thursday, Aug 10 at the House of the Lord. Arrangements by Stewart and Calhoun Funeral Home. Internment at Glendale Cemetery.