Jeffrey Joe Baxter

       Jeffrey Joe "Cuffy" Baxter, age 59, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Friday, December 26, 2025.
       Funeral Services will be held at Alma Community Church, Alma, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with Pastor Aaron Mora officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, St. Louis, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church.
       Jeffrey was born in Alma, MI on April 15, 1966, the son of Gary Joseph and Ruth Ann (Cole) Baxter. He was a graduate of St. Louis High School. He married Melanie Clark on October 10, 1987, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alma, MI.
       Jeff was a lifelong farmer and a jack of many trades. Jeff was a seed salesman and owned and operated Baxter Excavating with his brother and best friend, Brad. He loved camping at Timberline Campground in Benzonia for over 25 years. Jeff loved snowmobiling with his great friends but his most recent passion was ORVing. Jeff loved collecting many things and going to auctions and resale stores. He was a practical joker, loved laughter and was a big kid at heart. Jeff left a legacy of hard work, laughter and unwavering devotion to his family. His entire life has been dedicated to the love of his family, he took great pride in the family farm and he loved the people in his community. Jeff was a member of Alma Community Church and loved to serve the donuts and coffee. He shared a life filled with love and memories with his wife, Melanie, their three children and five grandchildren. Those who knew Jeff will cherish his love of making people laugh. He quietly expressed how much he deeply cared for those he loved.
      He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Melanie Baxter; son Grayson and Kristin Baxter; daughter Chelsea and Gerritt Bott; daughter Chloe Baxter; grandchildren: Emma, Beau, Addyson, Brantley, and Savannah; brother Brad, and Kelly Baxter; sister Sheila and Deron Hunt; father-in-law Wayne Clark; sister-in-law Melissa and Ron Hoag; step-mom Jan Baxter; nieces and nephews: Hannah, Noah, Isaiah (Becca) Hoag also Robyn, Skylar, and Breeze "Wind" Hunt. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law, Sharon Clark.
      Jeff's family encourages all to dress in farm casual (come as you are) as Jeff would have wanted. 
      In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alma Community Church- Community Kids and Coffee Crew. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.