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
Rock Miller
5 Aug 2020Sorry for your loss. I worked at Ford with Mike and know that he will be missed. Always easy with a laugh and a good story really enjoyed knowing Mike. Sorry that I can’t come to the service.
Bob Meyers
5 Aug 2020Mrs. Baxter, I worked with Mike at Ford for many years. Please accept my sincere condolences. Prayers for Mike and your family will be offered every day at Mass by me. God bless you and your family.
Joe Gafa
5 Aug 2020I am deeply sorry for your loss. I worked with Mike on staff of the International Union. He was always great fun to be around and had great compassion for he rank and file of the UAW. For the last 17 years we held a Moaners/Groaners Golf Outing in Clare Michigan with UAW Ford Representatives. Mike made ever outing except for this year. He sent me a penny extra for every year we hade the outing. I will surely miss that token of his friendship. He was a great Brother and I will miss him dearly. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the service.
Bob Polson
5 Aug 2020We sure missed having Mike in the Scotty Golf League the last year or so. What a hoot he was to play golf with. The last time I spoke whit him we talked about how proud he was of the upcoming wedding of his Granddaughter, that he became ordained and was going to preform the ceremony! He was one proud Grandpa of all of his grandchildren My condolence to the family and may the thoughts of the good times and smiles bring you peace.