Michael Perry Baugh a warm-hearted man with a contagious smile profoundly affected those who knew him through his robust love for life and sprightly personality. At age 60 he died Tuesday Dec. 6 2011 in Abilene of double pneumonia. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday Dec. 9 in the chapel at Abilene State Supported Living Center Chapel in Abilene . Pastor Bill Spencer will officiating under the direction of North's Funeral Home 242 Orange St. Michael was born June 23 1951 in Dallas to Ruffner P. and Viola M. Baugh. At an early age Michael went to St. Mary's Residential Training School in Clarks La. and later lived at the Holy Angels Residential Facility. He was taught by Catholic nuns at both facilities. After turning 21 Michael moved to the Abilene State Supported Living Center where he lived for nearly four decades. Michael was active and always busy at the Abilene living center. He prided himself in his work. Michael assembled parts for U.S. Brass worked in the campus laundry and worked for 30 years in the on-campus Fifth Street Diner which earned him a gold 25-year service pin as a state employee. In his earlier days at the living center Michael was a Special Olympics athlete competing in bowling basketball and track. His athletic career abruptly ended one day however when he announced that he was "too old" for such things. Deeply spiritual and a devout worshiper in both Catholic and Protestant services Michael was active in the church. He was also quite the thespian and musician. He was a "star" in the campus's annual Music Festival which toured for three days and two nights in various cities. The trip -- with its performances fellowship and bonding -- was the highlight of the year for Michael. His acting career included parts playing John Travolta's character in "Saturday Night Fever;" the Texan with the big hat in "Long Tall Texan;" and the Native American in "YMCA." He also played Elvis -- complete with a leather jacket that would be dragged across the floor. And he always saluted the American flag during the Star-Spangled Banner and at the conclusion he'd shout "Play ball!" Michael was dearly loved around the campus in Abilene where he lived. But he was also a well-known fixture around the city. Michael's warm and considerate soul manifested itself both on campus and around town when he'd dine out and shop with his relatives. It wasn't infrequent that they'd run into someone Michael knew and he'd unfailingly take the time to have a chat. Michael always ensured that he'd properly introduce his older brother Philip and sister-in-law Mimi to his friends and acquaintances. Phil and Mimi's trips to visit Michael weren't complete without shopping and a good meal which generally involved pizza. Michael would cut to the chase showing his enthusiastic approval. "I like it!" he'd say with much gusto. A shopping dynamo Michael and Mimi complemented each other well. He enjoyed steering the shopping cart while she'd suggest clothes videos snacks and other goods to consider purchasing. Michael wasn't one to ever refuse Mimi's suggestions but he was also fond of supplementing her recommendations with his own implementing a technique of claiming that things were broken missing or otherwise needed replacing. Most shopping trips entailed finding a new watch wallet or belt. Known for his joyful bear hugs warm grins and dapper dress Michael had a knack for reminding people that life is what one makes of it. He cherished traveling to Rockport to visit his father Ruff and step-mother Pat. Michael was preceded in death by his mother Viola Baugh. Survivors include his father Ruffner Baugh and wife Pat; brother Philip Baugh and wife Mimi their daughter and her husband Kristin and Jeff Carona and their son Nicholas; and his uncle and numerous cousins.

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