LaVern "Sharky" Eugene Baker

The love of his life and apple of his eye, Leona Wood Baker, his loving wife of 65 years, was with him as he drew his last breaths. Sharky was the first born to Walker Whitmore (Whit) Baker and Mary (Mae) Melinda King Baker on June 12,1926 in Roff, Oklahoma. His family moved to Arizona in 1938 and Sharky considered Chandler, Arizona his hometown. In 1947 he received his High School diploma from Chandler High School where he and his brothers were known for their athletic abilities. Sharky attended Grand Canyon College on an athletic scholarship, and eventually found his beautiful bride on that campus. He graduated in 1956 and then began a 34 year career in education, retiring as the Payson Unified School District Superintendent. Sharky and Leona wed in 1957 and began their family while living, teaching, and coaching in Hayden, Arizona. Their daughter Vicki arrived in 1959 and son, Rick joined the family in 1961. Sharky moved his family to Payson, Arizona in 1968 where he and Leona both continued their educational careers, were active in many clubs and enjoyed serving in their church. Sharky, also known as Coach Baker, enjoyed teaching and coaching but truly loved the students he mentored and encouraged. Sharky loved serving the Lord and he used his talents in different positions in his church. He loved music and loved to sing. He used those gifts to lead music in church and in a Barber Shop Quartet.

Sharky wore many hats in life, that of a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, coach, educator, administrator but none more important to him than being a Christ follower. He loved people, he loved to talk to people, and he had a heart for people to know the Lord. Sharky knew from his own experience that God changes lives.

Family who were waiting to greet Sharky in heaven were his parents, brothers Jake (Jesse) Baker, and Charley Baker as well as Leona's parents, Wilson and Opal Wood, and other extended family members. Sharky is survived by wife Leona (Wood) Baker; brothers, Randy Baker, Doug Baker; sister, Lois Ruppert; daughter, Vicki Chittenden (Dave); son, Rick Baker (Lisa); granddaughters Kym Klem (Andy), Cathryn Goettel (Mike), Patricia Greenough (AJ), Jenna Faz (Adam), as well as 11 great grandchildren, and many beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Sharky's smile, quick wit, humor, teasing, nicknames, bad jokes and his hugs will be missed by all who loved him. But we have the reassurance that we will be together again in eternity.

In Lieu of Flowers that are nice for a little while, the family asks for donations to the Sharky and Leona Education Scholarship that will help students forever. The Leo Foundation was formerly known as the GCU Scholarship Foundation and Sharky served as it's first Board President.

The LaVern "Sharky" and Leona Baker Educational Scholarship was created to honor Sharky and Leona's lifelong dedication to education. Donations to this scholarship fund can be made online at https://leofoundationusa.org/baker-educational-scholarship/ or by mailing a check to LEO Foundation 24 W. Camelback, Suite A-407, Phoenix, AZ 85013. Please direct questions to Madeline Winney, LEO Foundation CEO, 602-206-4465 or by email at [email protected].