August 17, 2026 - CoalZoom has just learnt of the passing of Dave Baxter, a dedicated pioneer of longwall mining in the U.S., of Shaler Township, Pennsylvania, who died on July 29, 2026, aged 87.

“Dave was one of a large contingent of Brits, who came to America in the 1960’s and 70’s to help promote and install longwall mining systems in the coal industry”, said Bill Reid, retired President of American Longwall of Abingdon, Virginia and now managing editor of Coal Zoom. “I first met Dave at one of the longwall compatibility trials when he was with Dowty Corporation. Dave worked hard for many years for several companies serving coal and we will never forget his dedication and kindness as well as his wicked sense of humor. Dave will be missed and we send deepest condolences to his family.”  

Dave Baxter

Husband of Brenda Stevenson Baxter for 42 years, Dave was the father of Neil Baxter of Manchester and the late Paul Baxter of England. He was grandfather of Mark and Elsie Baxter of England and the son of the late Frank and Elsie (Bowskill) Baxter. Dave was brother of Tricia Quinton (Philip) of Surrey, England and the late Jim Baxter. Dave was born in Mansfield Woodhouse, England, in coal country.

It was in 1974 that Dave came to the United States, accepting a job with Dowty Corporation. He was an Electrical Engineer who graduated from West Nottinghamshire College in England and was highly experienced in longwall mining at that time which accounted for 84 per cent of underground mining in Great Britain but only 4 percent in America. Following several years with Dowty on longwall sales, he joined Anderson Mavor becoming an expert in shearer machines and their application. 

Never one to stand still and always seeking new challenges, Dave was appointed General Manager, United States, of Dale Engineering, the developer of powered cowls for longwall shearers. He concluded his long mining career by becoming USA President of Kamat the inventor of HydraForce hydraulic pump systems and continued his exceptional service to the coal industry till his retirement.

Dave played as hard as he worked and loved to golf, travel and garden. He was particularly passionate about his garden and is always remembered for his wonderful sense of humor. There was no Visitation and the Service and Interment were held privately by the family. Memorials are suggested to Tunnels to Towers or The American Cancer Soc. Arrangements were entrusted to NEELY FUNERAL HOME, please visit at neelyfuneralhome.com.