Annette Baxter Barkemeyer, 85, of Temple, Texas, passed away on January 21, 2024, at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing from a recent diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis.

Annette was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on December 2, 1938, to George Leroy Baxter and Maggie Lee Baxter. Annette loved growing up near the coast of Mississippi and spending many summer days at the beach. Annette graduated from Gulfport High School in Biloxi, MS. She met the love of her life O'Gene Barkemeyer in Biloxi while he was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base. They were married on June 15, 1963.

Annette enjoyed being a wife and mother and was an exceptional homemaker. She loved to sew and cook for her family. Her love for family and children resonated with all of us. For many years she worked at the First Methodist Church Temple, Texas preschool where she has been a 41 year member of the congregation.

Annette and Gene traveled to many Texas A&M football games with Greg and Pam through the years where she packed the best tailgate picnics for them to enjoy on campus. Annette was always involved in helping with her children's activities at school and church, including Methodist Youth Fellowship, church choir and more. She was always there to cook a meal, chaperone or fill a volunteer spot where needed.

Annette was looking forward to the birth of her first great-grandchild expected in February 2024, Remi Walsh. She called out sweet baby Remi's name as we were all gathered around her. In her final weeks she had several great days with visitors and was able to spend full days of laughter and smiles with her children, grandchildren and family.

Annette was preceded in death by her husband, O'Gene Walter Barkemeyer and her parents, George Leroy and Maggie Lee Baxter. She is survived by her son, George Gregory Barkemeyer (Greg) and wife Marcy Barkemeyer and her daughter Pamela Barkemeyer Dove (Pam) and her husband Michael Dove. Other surviving family are Sister Carolyn Donkin of Purvis, MS; Brother George Baxter & wife Jane Baxter of Athens, GA; Grandchildren, Blake Walter Barkemeyer & wife Kristin, Allison Barkemeyer Walsh & husband Sean, Kyle Michael Dove and Connor Austin Dove. She is also survived by extended family members; Ruth & Don Anderson; Georgia & Lee Wood; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Methodist Church Temple, Texas in the chapel at a later date. The family will plan the date after the birth of Annette's first great-grandchild so that all family members can be in attendance. Memorial donations can be made in honor of Annette Barkemeyer to First Methodist Church Temple.

Klein Funeral Home