Our Staff
Our Staff
All of our staff adhere to the highest standard of ethical practices and are committed to ensuring that all of your needs are attended to. Their commitment to the community and genuine compassion toward families are but a few of the characteristics that make them outstanding in their field. We are proud to have them on our staff.
Scott Baxter
Owner & Licensed Funeral Director
Email: sbaxter@baxterfuneral.com
Scott is a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, a graduate of Lakeview High School and Valedictorian at Worsham Mortuary College in Chicago, IL. He has been married to his wife Melissa for over 31 years and they have three children: Aria, Braden and Cosner. He served on the Board of Education for Pennfield Schools for several years, CASBMA Board for Calhoun County, board of Guardian Finance & Advocacy Services, DBID Board for the city of Battle Creek and is a member of Victory Life Church. Scott has served the Battle Creek area in funeral service for over 33 years and is the founder of the Baxter Funeral & Cremation service.
Melissa Baxter
Melissa is a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, graduate of Pennfield Schools and Western Michigan University where she received her teaching degree. Her and her husband of over 28 years, Scott, have three Children: Aria, Braden and Cosner. She is the music teacher at Purdy Elementary School in the Pennfield School District and is a member of Victory Life Church.
Hailee Howard
Licensed Funeral Director
Email: hhoward@baxterfuneral.com
Hailee was born and raised in Howe, IN but currently lives in Colon, MI. She knew from an early age that becoming a Funeral Director was what she wanted to pursue while in college. Hailee graduated from Glen Oaks Community College with an Associates in General Studies in 2014, Mid-America College of Funeral Services with a degree in Mortuary Science in 2016, and Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services in 2018. Hailee welcomed her daughter, Kinslee in July of 2018 and son, Waylon in August of 2022. She married her husband, Kaleb on May 14, 2021. Hailee started working at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service in October of 2016.
Chan Pratt II
Funeral Director Apprentice
Email:
cpratt@baxterfuneral.com
Chan was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI. He attended and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. He later attended San Jose City College where he played college football. Chan is the Lead Pastor of Greater Holiness Worship Center based out of Kalamazoo, MI. He married the love of his life, Natasha in September of 2021 and they have one daughter, Kelsey together. Currently, Chan is attending Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science to become a Licensed Funeral Director.
Carol Clemons
Administrative Assistant
Email: ccarpenter-clemons@baxterfuneral.com
Carol was born and raised in Battle Creek and attended Battle Creek Central High School. She currently lives in Union City with her husband, Douglas. Carol and Doug are proud parents of wonderful children and are also proud grandparents. Carol joined the Baxter team in 2021 and looks forward to serving those in need.
Fred Cummins
Support Staff
Fred and his wife of 40 years have three grown children and two grandchildren. They are lifelong area residents . Active member at Victory Life Church. Fred and his wife serve on the Altar team also leads in small groups. Fred retired from the Crime Lab of the Battle Creek Police Department.
Stan Root
Support Staff
Stan is a lifelong resident of Battle Creek. After graduating from Battle Creek Central, he served 6 years in the Michigan Air National Guard. Stan is retired from Consumers Energy after 42 years of service. Stan and his wife of 45 years, Carolyn are members of First Assembly of God. They are also proud parents of 3 grown children and 7 beautiful grandchildren. Stan has been employed at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service since 2011.
Jerrid Steinberger
Support Staff
Roger and Barbara Steele
Support Staff
Roger was born and raised in Battle Creek; graduating from Battle Creek Central High School in 1966. Barbara grew up in Grand Rapids, MI; graduating from Ottawa Hills High School in 1967. They both graduated from the Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music, where they met and were married in 1971. Together they worked in children’s ministry and directing camps for 20 years. In 1991 Roger took the pastorate of Atlanta Bible Church in Atlanta, MI where he and Barb served for 24 ½ years. After moving to Atlanta, Barb worked at the local newspaper for about 15 years. In 2010 she accepted the position of mentoring coordinator with MSU Extension; matching at-risk youth with caring adults. Roger and Barb retired in December 2015 and moved back to Battle Creek; purchasing Roger’s boyhood home. Roger and Barb have three grown daughters; all serving in Christian ministry. They have six grandchildren. Roger enjoys umpiring and playing golf. In her spare time Barb enjoys sewing. Roger and Barb have been employed by Baxter Funeral and Cremation Services since April of 2016.
Daniel Freehling
Support Staff
Dan grew up in Three Oaks, Michigan. After high school graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force where he served for four years and was honorably discharged in 1970. He was then hired by the Battle Creek Police Department where he worked for the next 23 years retiring as a Lieutenant. After retirement he entered into a second career working for the State of Michigan - 18 months as a Child Protective Service Caseworker and 11 years as a Parole Agent.
He and his wife of 44 years, Colleen, have 2 married daughters, 4 grandchildren and are members of Calvary Baptist Church. He has been with Baxter Funeral and Cremation Services since June of 2015.
Missing Pictures:
Jan Honeycutt, Support Staff
Booker Barbee, Support Staff
Steve Miller, Support Staff
In Loving Memory Of: Lloyd "Duane" Bartsch Sr.