Wesley J. Baxa

Wesley John Baxa, age 88, of Lincoln, NE, peacefully began his eternal life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Lancaster Manor. Wes was a longtime resident of Columbus, NE before moving to Piedmont, SD and then later moving to Rising City, NE with his wife, Linda Walters.

Due to the military obligations of his son, Dr. Mark Baxa, A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 20 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, in Columbus, NE. There will be a vigil service 6:00 pm Thursday, June 19. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. on Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday morning all at the McKown Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Columbus Cemetery with military honors by The American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, Wes requested that any memorials be sent to the St. Bonaventure Church or Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial Fund.

Wes, the son of Matthew and Anna (Dvorak) Baxa, was born on the family farm in Republic County, KS, on October 9, 1925. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Belleville, KS. Wes attended rural Republic County grade schools, graduated from Belleville Kansas High School in 1943 and entered the United States Army. He served during World War II in the South Pacific with the 31st Calvary Reconnaissance Troop 31st Division. After returning home, Wes was a bus driver for Greyhound Lines and Arrow Stage Lines. On December 26, 1949, he was married to Ruth M. Ball in Las Vegas, NV. Wes and Ruth had four children after moving to Columbus, NE.

Wes joined the Police Department in Columbus, NE on March 11, 1955, was promoted to Sergeant in 1961 and promoted to Chief in 1971. Wes was a dedicated police officer who loved his many years of public service with the City of Columbus! He was the first police officer in the C.P.D. to train and work with a police dog (King). He graduated from the F.B.I. Academy at Quantico, VA, on December 15, 1972. Wes was a member and Past President of the Police Officers Association of Nebraska; a life member of the Nebraska Association of Chiefs of Police; a member of the F.B.I. National Academy; a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Baker-Holmes Post 3722 in Belleville, KS; a member of the American Legion Hartman Post 84 and Fraternal Order of Eagles in Columbus, NE; a member of the Caballeros and Spring Creek Saddle Clubs; and a 4-H Horse Club Leader.

Wes was a devoted and loving husband and father! He was an extraordinary man with a great sense of humor who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends! Until Wes was promoted to Police Chief, he worked at least two jobs daily to provide for his family. He instilled his strong faith and work ethic in all four of his children. He loved to share his passion for riding horses! During the many years he lived in South Dakota, he spent countless hours riding his favorite horse on trails throughout the Black Hills, which he referred to as Heaven on Earth!

In his later years, Wes had a great time on his ranch in South Dakota entertaining friends and family members, especially his beloved grandchildren who adored him and could do no wrong! He thoroughly enjoyed his life with his loving wife Linda on their acreage in Rising City! Wes and Linda loved taking care of their horses, dog, and cats! Most of all, they enjoyed their neighbors and entertaining their grandchildren, nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

He is survived by his son Dr. Mark Baxa and daughter-in-law Deborah of Belmont, NC; daughter Lisa Swiatek and son-in-law Ron of Denton, NE; daughter L. Lynn Rex of Lincoln, NE; and grandchildren Brittany and Austin Baxa; and Danielle, Michaela, Jonathan and Justin Swiatek.

He is preceded in death by his wife Linda Walters, Columbus, NE; son and daughter-in-law Michael & Cynthia Baxa, Hartford, CT; sister Ann Byrd, Wasco, CA; brother, Matthew Baxa, Columbus, NE; granddaughter Jennifer Lyn Baxa, Lincoln, NE; and his parents.