Nicholas M. Baxter

Sioux City - Nicholas M. Baxter, Machinist Mate First Class, U.S. Navy, 23, of Yulee, Fla., formerly Sioux City, died unexpectedly Sept. 20, 2012 in Kings Bay, Ga.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Sioux City, with the Rev. Merlin Schrad officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Larkin Chapel of Christy-Smith Funeral Home. Online condolences can be sent to www.christysmith.com .
Nicholas was born on June 13, 1989, in San Diego, Calif., to Charles "Chuck" and Elizabeth "Liz" (Temple) Baxter. Nick attended Sioux City Catholic schools and graduated from West High School mid-year in 2007.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and qualified for the nuclear propulsion program, from which he graduated in 2007. Over Nick's career with the Navy, he received numerous awards and commendations including the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal twice, sailor of the second quarter 2012 and was currently up for Sailor of the Year. Nick was based on the Trident submarine, USS Maryland, as a Machinist's Mate First Class and served several tours of duty patrolling the waters of our world below.
Nick lived life to the fullest and was an avid baseball player, hunter, fisherman and loved everything to do with family and friends.
He is survived by his parents, Liz and Chuck Baxter of Sioux City; one sister, Jessica of Sioux Falls, S.D.; grandparents, Merl and Alty Baxter of Sioux City; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Nick was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob and Connie Temple; and infant twin aunts, Mary and Marie Baxter.
A memorial has been established, and donations may be directed to the family.