William Lee Baker

A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2022 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm at Chapel Hill - Butler Funeral Home in Kansas City, Kansas. A celebration of life will then follow from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the funeral home. A graveside service will occur on Friday, March 25, 2022 from 10:00 am to 10:30 am at Holy Angels Cemetery in Basehor, Kansas.

William was born on February 15, 1929 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to William Sherman and Grace Henrietta (Reed) Baker. He was an Educator, teaching English and History at the high school and collegiate levels in the Kansas City area. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church. He served in

the US Army from July 1949 to May 1952. William met Margaret McClain in 1959 and they were united in marriage on September 3, 1960. William and Margaret made their home in Kansas City, Kansas until they retired to Basehor, Kansas in 1990.

William enjoyed walking and reading, especially science, history, and politics. William enjoyed watching football, both college and professional. William was a history buff and enjoyed traveling to national and historical sites. William really enjoyed spending time with his family and loved a good discussion about world events.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Grace; a brother, Thomas Baker; and a sister, Donna Welch. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, of the home; two daughters, Susan Venere,

Chandler, AZ; Nancy (Dann) Scheri, Carol Stream, IL; son, Gerald (Melinda) Baker, Linwood, KS; four sisters, Maxine Peterson, Mobile, AL; Marilyn Pruente, Tucson, AZ; Audrey Collins, Kansas City,

MO; Geraldine (Jack) Crouch, Independence, MO; one brother, James (Jerri) Baker, Ottumwa, IA; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth, Amy, Hannah, Nathanial Pierson; Benjamin, Rebekah Scheri; Nicholas

(Mayra) Baker; two great-grandchildren, Ryan Pierson; Irene Baker; and two great-grandchildren on the way.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union and/or Phoenix Home Health and Hospice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-butler.com for the Baker family.