Gary Baxter

Gary Joseph Baxter age 79, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017, at his home.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Mt. St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Louis, MI, at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 2, 2017,  with Rev. Fr. Nate Harburg and Deacon John Cremin officiating. All friends and family are welcome to attend a tribute, celebration and meal at St. Mary's Parish Hall, Alma, MI. The tribute will start at 11:30 A.M. and the lunch will be served immediately following.

Gary was born in St. Louis, MI on September 10, 1937, the son of Arthur and Anita (Doerr) Baxter.  Gary graduated from St. Louis High School with the class of 1955.  Gary married Ruth Ann Cole in August of 1964; Ruth Ann passed away on May 30, 1997. Gary married Jan Baxter in December of 2002 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Shields, MI. Gary resided all of his life in the St. Louis area.

Gary enjoyed playing cards, trips to the casino, and his annual 2 week hunting trip to Ontonagon. He worked at Fisher Body for many years, John Bean, and he also helped to construct the Mackinaw Bridge.  He was happiest behind the wheel of a combine or tractor. Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army Paratroopers 101st. He was a lifetime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church Alma, MI.

He is survived by his wife Janet Baxter of St. Louis, MI, 2 sons; Jeffrey and Melanie Baxter of St. Louis, MI, Bradley and Kelly Baxter of St. Louis, MI, daughter Sheila and Deron Hunt of Spring Lake, MI, brothers and sisters; Ted Baxter, Bill and Karel Baxter, Chuck and Beverly Baxter, Laura and Dave Stensrud, Virginia “Ginny” and Jerry Plaxton, and David and Pam Baxter. He is also survived by grandchildren; Grayson Baxter (Kristin), Chelsea Bott (Gerritt), Chloe Baxter, Robyn, Skylar, and Breeze Hunt, 4 great grandchildren; Emma Bott, Beau Bott, Addyson Baxter, Brantley Bott, and many nieces and nephews.  Gary was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruth Ann (Cole) Baxter, siblings; John, Joanne, James and Madeline Baxter, and sister in law Phyllis Baxter.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.