[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 73 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E934-E935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE CAREER OF JERRY BAXTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to honor a 
man that has spent much of his life improving the quality of life for 
others. Mr. Jerry Baxter has spent the last 27 years of his life 
entertaining the guests at the Bar D Chuckwagon in Durango, Colorado. 
This year, in the Bar D's 33rd season, Jerry has announced that he will 
be leaving for a job as a wrangler in Jackson, Wyoming. As he

[[Page E935]]

does, I would like to take this opportunity to honor him.
  Jerry has contributed to the Durango community his entire life. His 
friends and family would most likely describe Jerry as a bit of a 
character. When Jerry was only seventeen he managed to make it on to 
the Paul Harvey show with his comedic tale of an experience he had as a 
volunteer firefighter. Jerry gained this honor by starting a fire on 
his way to fight a fire. On his way to the grass fire in Hermosa, 
Colorado, Jerry forgot to release the emergency brake, causing the 
brake pads to catch fire and fall off. This in turn ignited a fire at 
the Aspen Rose Campground, which exceeded the size of the Hermosa fire, 
requiring more men to extinguish it.
  Jerry will be fondly remembered by the numerous guests who have been 
privileged to enjoy his show. Jerry's baritone voice is well loved at 
the chuckwagon and will be greatly missed. The Bar D originally hired 
Jerry to work in their kitchen, but he quickly became a well-loved 
voice on the stage. Jerry speaks highly of the community that has shown 
him such great support over the years. When Jerry's father passed on, 
and he was brought to tears during his rendition of ``How Great Thou 
Art,'' the community reached out to this man that they love. While 
grateful for his friendship, the Durango community will be sorry to see 
Jerry leave.
  Mr. Speaker, the State of Colorado is fortunate to have citizens like 
Jerry Baxter within one of its communities --someone who is willing to 
go that extra mile for others. Colleaugues, on behalf of the Western 
Slope of Colorado, we wish Jerry, his wife LaVerna and his children 
Justin, Shasta, Kyle and Kolt all the best. The Durango community is 
fortunate to call Jerry a friend.

                          ____________________