Corey William Baxter

By Kimberly Dean
Contributing Writer

A memorial service was held Saturday for Corey William Baxter, 28, who was found murdered March 5 in a field in Northeast San Antonio.

Don Somerville, a Minister at Grace Memorial Church in New Braunfels, performed the service.

Nearly 50 family and friends joined to express their feelings and mourn the loss together. “Corey was a good person with a good heart,” said his younger sister, Amy Baxter. “He had the ability to make friends with anyone.”

Amy stood alongside her twin brother James “Jim” Baxter. They both committed to insuring that Corey’s young daughter, Courtney would know about her father and his desire to provide for her.

Amy spoke of Corey’s love of fishing and drawing. Both hobbies reflected his peaceful nature.

Nancy Krueger, a longtime neighbor of the Baxter family addressed the congregation. “I know that his mother, Melissa, will be waiting for him,” she said. Baxter’s mother passed away in 2003, leaving behind her three children.

A unique selection of music was played which perfectly portrayed Baxter’s life. The ceremony began and ended with Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky.” “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” by Ozzy Osbourne was played to pay tribute to Baxter’s heavenly reunion with his mother.

Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind,” symbolized Baxter’s constant internal battle. While easy to be around and often the life of the party, he frequently placed himself on a self-destructive pattern. Early reports of his death described Baxter as a homeless person, but his family assures that he knew he always had a place to stay. He chose the details of his life and bore full responsibility for his situation.

According to a San Antonio Police Department news release March 6, Baxter suffered head trauma and may have been dumped in the field. The grim condition of Baxter’s body led police to believe there was a possible connection to the Texas Syndicate, a predominant gang in the San Antonio area and prison system.

“Unfortunately, my hand’s are somewhat tied,” Detective Bobby Bradley explained, referring to the fact that the murder occurred in San Antonio, but has close ties to Comal County. The police have requested that anyone who knew or saw Baxter during the past few months contact them.