Christopher Charles Baker passed away unexpectedly on July 5, 2024. He was a force of unwavering conviction and steadfast loyalty. Chris was deeply devoted to his family and to building up his community. From having morning coffee at the shop to humor that brought on a funnier laugh than the joke itself, Chris was silly, loving, stubborn, and the blueprint of keeping your nose to the grindstone.
He was born to Ethel and the late Charles H. Baker Sr. on April 28, 1964, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Chris accepted Christ at a young age and served as an altar boy at St. Augustine Catholic Church. As a young boy, Chris would run off the school bus the moment the doors opened, throw his backpack to the side, and get to work with his Dad. From Baker’s Clean Cars to Baker’s Construction and Baker’s Place, Chris consistently sought new trades to learn and live out his Dad’s legacy. To say Chris enjoyed his work would be an understatement. Building was his calling and a tremendous passion for him. As a one-man show, he wore many hats. Chris was a licensed contractor, a master electrician, a plumbing inspector, an HVAC technician, and a process server.
His greatest pride was being a husband and father. He adored his wife, Patricia. Even though he had two left feet, Patricia was his best salsa partner, deep-sea fishing buddy, and travel companion. She was his closest confidante, best friend, personal stylist, safe space, and his home. They were better together, dynamic partners, and a force to be reckoned with.
He shared unique bonds with Khennedi, Christian, and Kennedy. Khennedi was Chris’ “little girl.” He taught her life skills that no one else could and is the best man she will ever know. Chris was Kennedy’s favorite Spades and Family Feud partner and the best-chosen Dad she could have ever dreamed of. Chris taught Christian everything Christian knows, from fixing the shower drain to being a provider. Chris poured strength, knowledge, and courage into Christian to help Christian become the man he was created to be. Outside of family and work, Chris enjoyed fishing, lemon cake, motorcycling, and boating.
As Chris said often, “They don’t make men like me anymore,” and he is right. It was such a privilege to witness and experience the tender, unique singularity of Chris Baker.
Chris leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 19 years, Patricia Young-Baker; his children, Khennedi Baker, Christian (Tisha) Young, Kennedy Young, Taylor Baker, and Jae'son Baker; his mom, Ethel Baker; and his siblings, Aleatha Whitaker, Carolyn (Kevin) Shaw, Donna Marie Baker, Dawna Baker, Marlon Clemons, William (Tavia) Douthard, Charles (Cindy) Baker Jr., and Erin (Jerral) Brantley. Chris is further survived by his cousin and best friend, Deon Robinson, his favorite nephew, Ivan Cooley, and a host of other relatives and friends. Chris is predeceased by his father, Charles H. Baker Sr., and his brother, Kenneth Baker.
