Walter E. Baxter; Entertainment Executive

Walter E. Baxter, president and chief executive officer of Burbank-based Majestic Entertainment, has died in a North Hollywood hospital. He was 53.

Baxter of Burbank died Sunday of cancer, said his wife, Joyce Baxter.

Born in Philadelphia, Baxter was a 30-year veteran of the cable television and broadcasting industry.

In the 1960s, he worked for cable systems manufacturers in the northeastern United States and later went into the television distribution business. In 1985, Baxter moved to Burbank and founded Majestic Entertainment, an international television and film distribution company.

He was a member of Video Software Dealers Assn. and the National Assn. of Television Program Executives.

In addition to his wife of 31 years, Baxter is survived by his brother, Stephen Baxter of Haddonfield, N.J., and godson Alec Jaron Hanock of Van Nuys.

At his request, there will be no funeral services. A private family memorial service is planned. The Alpha Cremation Society in Burbank is handling the arrangements. Donations can be made in Baxter’s name to the American Cancer Society.