John Frederick Baxter, 84, of Lake Ann passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 28, 2021 at his home.

John was born on April 24, 1937 in Detroit to the late William Maury and Ruth Geraldine (Wandersee) Baxter.

John earned his Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University. While at school, he met Sharon Elaine Potter. On June 29, 1957, John and Sharon united in marriage in Hamburg, New York. Together they shared 64 years of love and laughter.

John started his career in sales with General Electric Credit Corp. In 1972, they moved to Glen Lake and shortly thereafter, he bought the Cedar Hardware. He operated it for many years, often giving his kids their first job. He retired in 1994.

John was well known in the Glen Lake Community as a member of the Chain Gang for the Glen Lake Lakers Football Team. He was honored with a 40 year plaque in 2017.

John was also passionate about planting trees. Over the years he nurtured and planted hundreds of acorns, walnuts and seedlings gathered from his travels. Most recently John was trying his hand at growing the mighty sequoia from a trip to California.

John will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, his love for family and his faith. He and Sharon were members of Glen Lake Community Reformed Church for 50 years.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

John is survived by his wife Sharon; their children John Jr. (Kim) of Durango, CO, Susin (Mark) Hartman of Mooresville, N.C., Eric (Susan) Baxter of Penn Yan, N.Y., and Molly (Bob) Johnson of Lake Ann; grandchildren Andrew, Joshua and Keegan Baxter and Maggie (George) Roller and CJ Helfrich.

The memorial service celebrating John's life will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the Glen Lake Community Reformed Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to Munson Hospice (munsonhealthcare.com) or Releaf Michigan (releafmichigan.org).