A Vidor man who was run over by a lawnmower Friday has died from his injuries. Everitt V. Baxter, 70, of Vidor died Sunday, June 28, 2009 at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont after he was run over by a large lawnmower in the 4700 block of Cleveland in Beaumont. His wife was at the hospital Sunday when Mr. Baxter passed away.

"The man had two back surgeries, both knees repaired and an artificial hip," said Dean Baxter who was married to Everitt for 15 years. "He didn't stop and he was full of energy."

The Beaumont native lived in Vidor. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp. Reserves and was a retired General Manager of Jack’s Tire Service.
His wife says he died doing what he enjoyed doing the most, mowing lawns.

"He once told me the only time I'm going to stop is when they hit me in the face with a shovel," added Baxter. "Well, he got hit in the face with a lawn mower."

Baxter was killed by a zero turn lawn mower. This is a popular choice because it cuts work time in half, but it can also be dangerous.

Leif Wiggins, works for Scooter's Lawnmower in Beaumont. He says if you're going to operate a zero turn lawn mower it's important to add the safety features like a roll bar and seat belt.

"This is the difference and this could definitely save your life,"said Wiggins Monday morning.

"You can 'what if' until tomorrow is over," added Baxter who said her husband's lawn mower didn't have a roll bar or seat belt. "You can't say whether it would've made a difference."

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Memorial Funeral Home.