Paul Edward Baxter

Went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the age of 69 years.

The son of the late James Edward Baxter and Mary Elaine (Schultz) Owens was born on August 25, 1953 in Saginaw.  He graduated from Vassar High School then later received his bachelor’s degree from Lake Superior State University in psychology.  He married Debra Franz on October 14, 1978; she survives him.  Paul retired from Flint Metal Fabrication in 2009.  Along with his wife, Debie, they owned Heritage Natural Foods in Saginaw.  He was an avid runner, having finished several marathons, and later enjoyed walking with Debie.  A great gardener, he was famous for his beautiful backyard. He earned a fourth degree blackbelt in Wing-Chun.  An elected unionist, he fought passionately for the underdogs in the rank and file, especially those who were falsely accused.  Paul was a devote Christian.  At fourteen years old, he entered a Christian drop-in center in Vassar, MI.  It was then he gave his life to Christ and never turned back.   Paul was an avid supporter of his son’s alma matter, Grace Christian School, and took the greatest delight that his granddaughter is also attending Grace.  He especially treasured spending time with his family, and loved being at the family cottage, “Little Harlem” in Sault Ste Marie.

Surviving besides his wife of 44 years, Debie, is their son: James (Amy) Baxter, granddaughter Isla Jane Baxter, sister Brenda (Bill) Cook, brother Steven (Barbara Warnke) Owens, step-siblings: Dianne German, Don (Joanne) McCrumb, Dean (Roxanne) McCrumb, his mother-in-law Jane Franz, his brother-in-law John Franz, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  Besides his parents, Paul was predeceased by his step-mother Olive Baxter and step-father Ray Owens and his father-in-law Myron J. Franz.

Funeral service will take place on 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023 at W. L. Case and Company, 4480 Mackinaw Rd.  Pastor Tim Miller will officiate with burial at Oakwood Cemetery.  Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday at the funeral chapel from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m.  until the time of the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family STRONGLY REQUESTS donations to Grace Christian School specified for the ongoing Christian Education of Isla Baxter.