Our Staff

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 33 years and together have three children, Aria, Braden and Cosner. Scott 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 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. Melissa 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.

Arthur McNabb

Licensed Funeral Director

Email: amcnabb@baxterfuneral.com

Art was born and raised in Western Illinois, where his parents owned and operated a funeral home for many years. Art graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science before moving to Michigan, where he became a Licensed Funeral Director and Pre-Need Insurance Agent, as well as a Former Paramedic and Private Pilot. Art is an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, where he previously served as District President.

Rocky Baxter

Office Manager

Email: rbaxter@baxterfuneral.com

Rocky has 28 years of experience of Business Development, Management, Operation and Accounting. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management / Administration. At Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, he handles all the financials, accounting and provides assistance to families who need help with filing their insurances and provides support in any area that is needed.

Carol Clemons

Funeral Assistant

Email: cclemons@baxterfuneral.com

Carol was born and raised in Battle Creek and attended Battle Creek Central High School. Currently living in Union City, Michigan with her husband, Douglas and her fur baby, Miss Rose. Carol and Doug have 5 children and several grandchildren. Her compassionate and caring nature are the reasons she became a funeral assistant. When not at the funeral home she spends her time gardening and canning.

Logan Lake

Funeral Assistant

Email: llake@baxterfuneral.com

Logan was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and raised in Marshall, Michigan. He graduated from high school in 2023. From a young age, Logan helped his mother care for his grandfather until his passing. This meaningful experience inspired his passion for caring for others and taught him the importance of compassion, kindness, and providing comfort to families. Logan currently works as a Funeral Assistant and hopes to attend mortuary school to become a funeral director in the future. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, caring for his pets, and photography.

Stan and Carolyn Root

Support Staff

Stan is a lifelong resident of Battle Creek and a graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Following graduation, he served six years in the Michigan Air National Guard before beginning his 42-year career at Consumers Energy. After retiring, he joined the Baxter staff in 2011.

Carolyn is a lifelong resident of Battle Creek and a graduate of Harper Creek High School. She began her career as a hairstylist at the age of 17 and has continued her passion for serving others throughout her life. In 2020, she joined the Baxter team.

Stan and Carolyn have been married since 1972. Together, they have three children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. They have also been devoted members of Journey Church since 1980.

Jerrid Steinberger

Jerrid comes from sunny Daytona Beach, Florida and has lived in Michigan for 20+ years. He has been in the towing and recovery business for 25 years and worked for Henkel Auto Group before starting his own business, Jerrid's Auto Detailing here in Battle Creek. In his spare time, Jerrid building model cars, spending time with his significant other, Tracy and playing with his dogs.

Roger and Barbara Steele

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 15 years. In 2010, Barb accepted the position of Mentoring Coordinator with MSU Extension; matching at-risk youth with caring adults. Roger and Barb retired in December of 2015 and moved back to Battle Creek; purchasing Roger’s childhood home. Roger and Barb have three adult daughters and six grandchildren. Roger enjoys playing golf and each week the Steele's teach two Bible studies in care home and one in an apartment building. Roger and Barb have been with the Baxter staff since April of 2016.

Daniel Freehling

Support Staff

Dan grew up in Three Oaks, Michigan. After high school graduation, Dan joined the U.S. Air Force where he served for four years and was honorably discharged in 1970. Dan was hired by the Battle Creek Police Department where he worked for the next 23 years and retired as a Lieutenant. After retirement, Dan 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. Dan and his wife, Colleen have been married for 53 years and together they have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Dan is a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and has been with the Baxter staff since June of 2015.

Shayla Bouvrette

Support Staff

Shayla was born and raised in Battle Creek. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 2015. Shayla welcomed her son, Dominic into this world in June of 2019. She is currently pursuing an associate’s degree at Kellogg Community College. She plans to transfer to Wayne State University next year to pursue a degree in Mortuary Science. She knew she wanted to work in the field after experiencing the loss of residents she had grown close to while working in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In her free time, she enjoys reading and watching her favorite television shows. 

Michael Souter

Support Staff

Michael serves as a member of the support staff, helping ensure that every family receives compassionate, respectful and professional care. He understands the importance of treating each family with dignity during times of loss and takes pride and supporting the Baxter team and providing meaningful service to the families they serve. Michael is committed to being dependable attentive, and respectful, recognizing that even the smallest details can make a difference when helping families through difficult times.

Felicia Lucas

Support Staff

Felicia is a proud native of Battle Creek. As a volunteer greeter at the funeral home, she enjoys welcoming families and visitors with warmth, kindness, and compassion. Outside of volunteering, Felicia enjoys spending quality time with her family, being outdoors, and taking long walks.

Jan Siddall

Support Staff

Jan is a lifelong resident of Battle Creek. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Dennis. Together they have 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Jan spent over 40 years working in the insurance industry, as well as partnering with Dennis in ministry to youth and families. She continues to serve families here at Baxter's. Jan and Dennis are members of North Avenue Church of God.

David Wright

Support Staff

Booker Barbee

Support Staff

Jan Honeycutt

Support Staff

Doug Clemons

Custodial

Douglas was raised in Marengo Township. He currently resides in Union City, Michigan with his wife, Carol and their fur baby, Miss Rose. Doug and Carol have 5 children and several grandchildren. Doug is a retired truck driver and can always find something to tinker with.