Kenneth Floyd Baker, 92, Ozark/Mint Hill, went to his forever home Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at Harbor Place in Linn.
He was born April 13, 1931, to the late Floyd and Alice Baker in Chamois.
When the family moved to Mint Hill, he attended the Liberty School and helped in the Mint Hill store/post office.
Ken graduated from Chamois High School.
He worked a variety of jobs, including at the Wagner Electric plant in St. Louis and for his uncle, Gene Duncan at the agriculture supply store in New Haven. In addition, Ken helped Floyd and Alice on the farm in Mint Hill.
He joined the U.S. Navy in March, 1951, where he worked as an aircraft engine mechanic on a flight line and was stationed in Florida and Cuba. This is where Ken developed a love for the ocean, tropical living and Florida itself.
Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he enrolled in the University of Missouri-Columbia where he graduated with a BS in Agriculture and a Masters in Extension Education.
On Ken’s first night of college, he met his future wife, Joy at a barnwarming dance. They were married June 9, 1956, and settled in Ozark where Ken was a Christian/Greene County Extension Agent. Later he worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and enjoyed dealing in antiques. Ken also worked for Northeast Diesel, delivered boats for Bass Pro Shops and in retirement, drove for Enterprise.
He raised registered Beefmaster cattle on his farm in Ozark and the family farm at Mint Hill. Ken and Joy were members of First Baptist Church in Ozark, where Ken served as a greeter and substitute Sunday school teacher.
Many family trips to Florida led Ken and Joy to become snowbirds, wintering each year in Venice, Fla.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and took pride in his wildlife displays at his home. Some of his hunting adventures were to Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Kansas and Florida. Ken enjoyed a fishing trip to Canada, fishing off the beach in Florida and of course fishing in local ponds, lakes and rivers.
He had a humble nature, and always thought more of others’ needs than of his own.
Ken loved his family and took pride in their accomplishments. He enjoyed telling stories and cracking jokes, and every now and then would sing “A Bushel and a Peck” to his granddaughters. He also enjoyed gardening, music, playing cards, reading and following politics.
Ken was preceded in death by wife of 61 years, Joy; and parents, Floyd and Alice.
He is survived by brother, Dr. Jim Baker of Stillwater, Okla.; two nieces; one nephew; sons, Dr. Bradley Baker of Chesterfield, Brian Baker of Chicago, Ill. and Bruce Baker of Mint Hill and their spouses; grandchildren, Rachel, Sarah, Erica, Christian, Alex, Matthew, Claire, Autumn and Vivien Baker; and a loving group of friends and caregivers at Harbor Place in Linn.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 22, followed by funeral services at the Oklahoma Church of Christ in Osage County with Dr. Phillip Burden officiating. Interment will be in the Oklahoma Church of Christ Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to the Oklahoma Church of Christ Cemetery Fund.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
