Ponchatoula, LA - Charles "Bax" Edwin Baxley, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. He was a native of Colfax, Louisiana, a resident of Baton Rouge for 29 years, and a current resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Charles lived a life of faith, service, and unwavering devotion to his family. A proud United States Marine, he went on to serve his community as a law enforcement officer for 30 years. Throughout his distinguished career, he worked as a motorcycle officer, K-9 handler, detective, uniform patrol officer, CATE officer, and instructor at the LSU Law Enforcement Training Academy before retiring from the Training Division. He took great pride in mentoring and preparing the next generation of officers. Charles was a faithful parishioner of St. Thomas More and later St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. Outside of his career, Charles found his greatest joy with his family. Annual trips to the beach created treasured memories, and he loved spending time hunting and fishing, especially hunting, which remained one of his greatest passions. Above all, he cherished his children and adored his grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as "Big Daddy."

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 64 wonderful years, Nel Baxley; daughter, Erin Gatlin (Jeremy); son, Shaun Baxley (Tina); grandchildren, Charlie "CJ" Gatlin, Wyatt Gatlin, and Elly Gatlin; sister, Sabbie Smith (Paul); brothers, Doyle Baxley (Francis) and Eddie Baxley; brother-in-law, Richard Lowry; sister-in-law, Claire Groves (Keller); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Charles is preceded in death by his son, Kelly Thomas Baxley; parents, Carl Baxley and Sabbie Bordelon Baxley; siblings, Buck Baxley, Carl Baxley Jr., Margie Ruth Nettles (Roy), Carrie Stevens (Lewis), sisters-in-law, Sandra Baxley and Marguerite Arroyo; and brother-in-law, Edward Lowry (Claire).

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation at St. Thomas More Catholic Church 11441 Goodwood Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70815, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Condolences and other information may be found at www.thompsoncares.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home.