Jack Baxter, founder of Jack's Tire Service in Beaumont, Texas, died recently. He was 87.
Baxter started his tire shop in 1946 after supervising tire repair plants as part of the 232nd Tire Repair Company in Europe and the South Pacific during World War II. The business closed in 2000.
Every four years, beginning in 1972 he gave away full academic scholarships to Lamar University-bound high school students who otherwise couldn't afford it. Lamar University is based in Beaumont.
He is survived by his wife, Lilah Jean Baxter; his daughter, Shirley Ann Threet and her husband, Bobby; his son, Jackie Lynn Baxter and his wife, Barbara; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Baxter was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Meadows Baxter, and one daughter, Sharon Baxter Jacobs.
