Sgt. Michael Alan Baker

Mike was a loving and dedicated son, brother, husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and friend. He was proud of his rural roots, growing up on his family’s dairy in Tolleson, AZ. He attended Tolleson High School where he was the sports editor on the yearbook committee, and excelled at football and baseball.

Mike always knew that he would be a teacher one day. He graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Mike retired after 30+ years of public education service as an upper-elementary science and math teacher; colleague; mentor; and science program developer and coordinator in the Pendergast Unified School District (which he also attended). His work in science instruction and assessment impacted science curriculum not only in Arizona’s West Valley but throughout the state of Arizona.

Michael accepted his nation’s call for duty. Sergeant Michael A. Baker honorably and bravely served in the United States Army in the Vietnam War. He continued his military-civilian service as a Disabled Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW), volunteering for 20+ years at the Robert Diaz Lopez Post 6310 in Tolleson, Arizona. He eventually achieved the position of Post Senior Vice Commander and Post Quartermaster. Mike continued his service in educating retired veterans about post-military civilian service, as well as serving in K-12 educational programming state-wide. He participated in programs like Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen scholarship competitions; and the VFW Teacher of the Year competition, as well as serving as a spokesperson for local district(s) Veteran Day and Memorial Day activities. He humbly served in many of Tolleson’s VFW’s local projects, too.

Mike loved traveling with his wife; spending quality time with his grandchildren, daughter, and stepchildren; cuddling with his pets; watching ASU Sun Devil sports; and reading about Arizona and United States history. “Miguelito” was a hero, strong and true. Rest in Peace.