Dexter Lee Anthony
March 3, 1953 - July 19, 2010

When thinking of Dexter Anthony, many words come to mind words such as honor, integrity, and selfless. The word that perhaps depicts the most accurate picture, however, is compassion. Dexter was genuinely compassionate, a humble and mild-mannered servant of the Lord he came to embrace during the sunset of his life. He made it his lifes work to reach what became over 400 jail inmates through an organization that became his mission field. Always accompanied by a warm smile, Dexter was so easy to get along with and would talk to anyone regardless of their past failures or religious or ethnic backgrounds. A man who was a dedicated father to his own children, Dexter raised his sons with mutual respect that continued as his boys grew into men. He leaves behind a deeply embedded footprint that will surely withstand the ebb and flow of the tide.

The year 1953 was part of a colorful decade in our nations history in which the Korean War came to an end, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus, and we added two stars to our flag in representation of our 49th and 50th states, Alaska and Hawaii. Truly Jackson and Doris Kirksey couldnt have been happier during this time as it was on March 3, 1953, that they welcomed their son, Dexter Lee, into their hearts and home. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Dexter was the fourth of five children in his family including his brothers, Billy Wayne and Rodrick, and his sisters, Patricia, Doris Jean, and Debra. Dexter was raised in downtown Muskegon by his mother and step-father, Rodrick Anthony, Sr. The family attended Spring Street Baptist Church where his grandfather, Rev. I.G. Kirksey was the pastor.

In many ways, Dexter enjoyed a childhood that was typical for his generation. He attended Steele Junior High School where he met the young girl who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Fairris Hamilton and they met in the seventh grade. Although she didnt think much of Dexter initially, she warmed up to him over time and by their tenth grade year, they were a couple. Dexter liked playing baseball and ice skating at the Walker Arena, although it was while ice skating that he broke his leg which required him to be homeschooled during his eighth grade year.

After graduating from Muskegon High School, Dexter went on to take classes at both Muskegon Community College and Cornerstone. He set his plans aside for a time when he joined the Army as a young man. While in the service, Dexter was an ambulance driver who served in Germany. Although they were physically separated by thousands of miles, Dexter and Fairris continued to fall more deeply in love as they corresponded through letters and many an expensive long distance phone call! While he was in Germany, Dexter first heard the voice of the Lord calling him, but it would be years before he followed that call.

When his two year commitment was fulfilled, Dexter returned to Muskegon where Fairris gave birth to their son, Damacian, in 1973. The couple was married on March 15, 1975, and with the birth of their son Dedrick in 1983, their family was complete. Dexter was very close to his sons and was an attentive father who taught his sons the ways of the world. Even when his sons didnt see eye to eye with their father, the respect they had for him remained intact. Their family enjoyed fishing together and fun-filled family vacations to Washington, D.C., Niagara Falls, and to Mississippi and Arkansas for family reunions.

Through the years, Dexter worked in a variety of industries. During high school he learned carpentry and helped in construction. After getting out of the service, Dexter got his start in the prison before moving on to the Regional Retardation Center where he worked as a resident care aid. From there, Dexter worked making chairs for Herman Miller for a couple of years and then came back to work for the State of Michigan as a resident care aid. Finally, he ended up at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans where he remained until 1997 when he retired due to a bad back. Throughout his career, Dexter worked for the State of Michigan for over 20 years.

Shortly after he retired, Dexter followed the calling he heard as a young man and decided to dedicate his life to the Lord. Under the guidance of Rev. Charles Poole at his wifes home church, Bethesda Baptist Church, Dexter became the assistant to the pastor and also joined the Forgotten Man Ministries along with his wife. According to Sheriff Dean Roesler, He had a real passion for people who were incarcerated and tried to get them redirected. Youve got to believe he carried a lot of burdens for a lot of people. Dexter not only ministered to the inmates, but he was also well respected by the sheriffs office employees who welcomed his counsel. Along with his wife, Dexter served with Forgotten Man Ministries for several years not only being a friend to countless inmates, but also spiritually mentoring them as he loved the Lord and sharing his love for the Lord as well.

When he had some time off, Dexter enjoyed pursuing some of his interests. He liked to work in his garden, do home repairs, and fish. According to his grandchildren, Dexter made the best French fries, although he was famous for his barbequing skills. In fact, Dexter was known to barbeque year round and his technique was anything but ordinary. The process would often take several days from start to finish as there was marinating and smoking, too, in order to get things just right.

Whether it was as the chaplain of the Forgotten Man Ministries, a dedicated father, or simply a man with a heart of gold, Dexter Anthony touched the lives of those too numerous to count. His every thought, word, and deed was tinged with the compassion he felt for all people. The wisdom Dexter passed on to his sons was immeasurable and the inspiration he gave to others was unmatched. He will be so dearly missed by all who were blessed to know such an extraordinary man.

Dexter Lee Anthony died on July 19, 2010. Dexters family includes his wife, Fairris; sons, Damacian Anthony of Grand Rapids, Dedrick Anthony of NY; grandchildren, Sierra, Landan, and MaKenna Anthony; brother, Rodrick Anthony Jr. of MS; sisters, Patricia Blackmon of Muskegon, Doris Jean Anthony of Muskegon, Debra Fernanders of Baldwin; and Step Mother Ever Mae Jackson. Dexter was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Rodrick Anthony Sr. & brother, Billy Wayne Brookshire. A service will be held on Friday, July 23, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church with Rev. Charles W. Poole Sr. officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery with Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Visit with Dexters family and friends on Thursday, 5-7 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory of make a memorial contribution to Forgotten Man Ministries.

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