Kenneth Gene Baker, 81 of Grape Creek passed away on February 10, 2022. He was born on June 13, 1940 in Ada, Oklahoma to Wesley and Rosie Baker. He served in the Army National Guard and then joined the US Air Force following graduation from high school. He proudly served his country for 12 years and was stationed in Roswell, NM, Greece and Vietnam. Following his tour in Vietnam he made the move to Texas where he met the love of his life, Gwen Wallis and her 3 wonderful children. They were married on May 1, 1970 and later welcomed a daughter together.
He worked at Goodyear Proving Grounds for 27 years and was a founding member of the Grape Creek Volunteer Fire Dept. and served with them for many years. He was also a member of Full Gospel Assembly Church and the Santa Fe Trail Ride. For many years he played Santa at B&W Merchandise stores, drove the floats in many a parade for area nursing homes and would always help out anyone in need. His favorite past time was fishing, especially in the Colorado mountains for those rainbow trout. Gene and Gwen would go every summer until their health would not allow it.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers- Randall, Dyton, Wymon, Howard and Glen Baker and his daughter, Terri Andrews.
He is survived by his wife, Gwen Baker; his children, Tommy (Belinda) Baker, Theo Baker and Tabitha Baker, all of Grape Creek; six grandchildren, Chase Fuchs, Clay (Jill) Fuchs of Cypress, Callie (Reid) McIntyre, Travis (Sarah) Baker, KC Baker, and Blaine Baker; eight great grandchildren, Brayden, Mason, Hailey, Brantley, Marcus, Olivia, Charlie and one on the way, Ryder; his sister, Joy Vann of Sherman and brother Roland Baker of Oklahoma. He is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins & many special friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial donation in Kenneth’s name to Children’s Miracle Network at Shannon Medical Center or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank the staff at Shannon Home Health, Shannon South ER/ICU, dad’s favorite nurse, Jennifer Kirby and his caregiver, Samantha (Sam) Roye.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2022 in the chapel of Johnson’s Funeral Home with interment to follow in Grape Creek Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Baker family.
