Harry Baxter Obituary (1944 - 2023)

Harry “Skip” Murvin Baxter III, aged 79 of Ada, MI went to his eternal home on Saturday, September 30, 2023. He was born on August 26, 1944 in Detroit to parents Harry “Bud” and Arlene Baxter. Skip graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1963. He immediately enlisted with the United States Navy. He served in Bermuda where he met the love of his life, Sharon. He achieved the rank of AX3 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. A year after being honorably discharged from the Navy, Skip married Sharon Kay Sill on September 14, 1968. He joined The New England Life Insurance Company of Grand Rapids and became the general agent. Skip was the youngest Charter Member of Mayflower Congregational Church and was very philanthropic serving on many non-profit boards of directors through the years, with the YMCA and Rotary Club of Grand Rapids being closest to his heart. Skip will be remembered by many for lighting up whatever room he entered, making a friend wherever he went and his endless jokes. Skip was preceded in death by his parents Harry “Bud” and Arlene Baxter, Janet Sill (Mother-In-Law), and Graham Baxter (grandson). He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sharon Baxter; children Jeff (KC) and Susie (Dan); grandchildren Maisy, Jon, Chris, Caleb, Trevor, Ava, Jonah, Eli and Ty. Private family services will be held. You are welcome to join the family for a Celebration of Life Visitation at Mayflower Congregational Church Atrium in East Grand Rapids on Tuesday, October 24 from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grand Rapids Metro YMCA or YMCA Camp Manitoulin.