Melvin Wayne Baxter, 71, of Defiance, passed away on  September 7, 2012 at the Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center.

He was born on April 6, 1941 to Clarence and Nina (McDonald) Baxter in Orabille, IN. Melvin worked as a truck driver for GM and retired in 1997. On October 4th, 1963, he married Grace Porter at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Defiance, Ohio.

Mel was a member of Life Member of VFW post #3360, a Life member of the AMVETS, and a member of Vietnam Vets Association. He was also an avid Nascar fan.

Melvin is survived by his loving spouse of  40 years Grace, son, Kevin Baxter of Defiance, son, Keith (Paula) Baxter of West Chester, OH, sister, Karen Bice of Whitehouse, TN, sister, Rita (Phil) Weimer of Kendallville, IN, brother, Loren (Mary) Baxter of Hicksville, OH, brother, Lynn (Fran) Platt of Hicksville, OH, & Grandchildren; Kendyl, Kobe, Zachary, Benjamin, & Charles Baxter.

He was preceded in death by mother, Nina McDonald, father, Clarence Baxter, brother, Jerry Baxter.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 10, 2012 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2012, 11:00 am at the Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, Ohio, with Rev. David Brobston, officiating.

Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery with Military Honors being performed by VFW Post # 3360.

Memorials are suggested to the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice. Online condolences can be given at www.HCSFuneralHome.com.