Clayton Warner Baxter

Clayton Warner Baxter Age 94, died April 22, 2010 in Port Charlotte, Florida. He was born July 4, 1915 in Mecosta County, near Morley, Michigan to William H. and Nellie Henrietta (Sprowl) Baxter. Clayton graduated from Morley High School in 1933, joined the Civilian Conservation Corps where he was in charge of the infirmary. He moved to Grand Ledge in 1935, enrolling in a post-graduate commercial course where he met Frances H. Moore, whom he married April 11, 1937. He moved to Lansing, Michigan and was owner/manager of Bonded Building Supplies and later Baxter Custom Kitchens, winning several awards for his designs. He attended University of Michigan studying drafting. He sold his business in 1965. He attended U of M real estate class, became a realtor and retired in 1985. He then became a certified health care aide, pursuing that career until 1994. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1970 transferring from Mt. Hope Methodist Church, lifetime member of Masonic Lodge #179 and WWII veteran with the United States Army Air Forces. Surviving are a daughter, Marilyn J. Bateman (Kenneth L. deceased); a son, Bruce E. (Janet M.) Baxter; 6 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Alice I. Lawitzke of Tampa, FL. Preceding him in death were his wife of 72 years, Frances H. Baxter; 2 grandsons, Jeffrey A. Bateman and Steven L. Bateman; his parents; sister, Erma L. Van Dyke; and brothers, Gerald Baxter and Carl Baxter. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 29, 2010 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel with the Rev. Rae L. Franke of Trinity United Methodist Church officiating. A Masonic service will immediately follow the funeral. Interment with military honors will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, one may make a donation to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Lansing, MI or the Masonic Lodge #179 in Grand Ledge, MI.