Michael T. Baxter

Michael Thomas Baxter, 74, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2016 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 26th at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove; burial at 3:00 p.m. in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. The family will receive friends and loved ones from 12:00 p.m. until service time at the church.

Mike was born July 9, 1942, in Ft. Worth, Texas, the son of Russell and Violet Baxter. He served in the Navy from 1959-1964 and on the USS Boston during the Vietnam War. Mike worked for UAW/Ford Parts Depot in Lenexa for 19 years, 1971-1990, where he was elected as a local #249 Committeeman and Bargaining Chairman for 18 years. In 1990, Mike accepted to go on staff in Michigan for the International UAW. He then was promoted to Servicing Rep for all Parts Depots for the USA. He was an International Negotiator on three UAW/Ford contracts. He became an avid golfer with his friends and best friend, Wayne Bean.

Mike retired in 2004 after 33 years with UAW/Ford. Then moved back to Oak Grove to be with his children and grandchildren. In 2007, he was elected to the City Council as Alderman Ward 3 and holds that title to this day.

Mike was a Master Mason, Shriner, member of the AM Vets, VFW, and American Legion #382. Mike was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oak Grove.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Russell Baxter; mother, Violet Baker and stepfather, George Baker; loving niece, Pamuela Golden; and loving dog, Miss Bailey Girl.

His survivors include his wife of 35 years, Shirla Baxter of the home; son, Michael Baxter and wife, Sherri of Oak Grove; daughter, Julie Baxter-Perry and husband Mike of Mission, Kansas; four grandchildren: Kristina Sturm and husband Ryan of Smithville, MO, Niki Baxter of Oak Grove, Taylor Ginther of Mission, Kansas, Harris Ginther of Mission, Kansas; great-granddaughter, Kailee Sturm of Smithville, MO; two stepsons, Franklin Spencer and Ryan Fuller both of Oak Grove; brother, Russell Baxter and wife Erma of Independence, MO; sister, Emma Jo Moree and husband Chris of Deep Water, MO.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441