Mark Carl Baker was born October 23, 1962, in Lakin, Kan., and passed away very quietly and peacefully in Valdosta, Ga., with his wife, Tish, and daughter, Taylor, at his side; and his son, Josh, waiting to take him home. When his duties on earth were done, he took his son Josh’s hand and entered the heavenly gates to become our own very special guardian angel.
At an early age, he developed his love of farming. His greatest joy was riding in the tractor with his dad, his beloved Uncle Fred, or his mentor, Jim Williams.
At Christmas, as long as Santa Claus delivered a dump truck or a tractor and a shovel, he was a very happy camper. His favorite place to play was in a big pile of dirt. When his son, Josh, came into the world, Josh became his dad’s partner in work, play, and farming.
Growing up, Mark played baseball and football, and he even tried basketball, but soon found that it wasn’t for him. Mark was very content in football to sit on the bench and cheer his teammates on. One time he was asked if it bothered him to sit on the bench, and his reply was, “No, I have the best seat in the house.”
He was a quiet guy, but very loyal to his friends. As one of his friends told his sister, “Mark was one of the good guys.”
One of his proudest achievements came at the county fair, where he earned Grand Champion honors with his steer, McKeever. Selling the animal was one of the more difficult moments of his youth, but it reflected his dedication to 4-H and the lessons it instilled.
Mark met his wife, Tish, in Georgia while he was serving in the United States Air Force. They later moved from Georgia to Hugoton, Kan.
While in Kansas, they were blessed with a son, Josh, and a daughter, Taylor. Mark’s greatest joy was becoming a grandpa to Dottie Jean, Taylor’s daughter. He treasured every moment spent with her, especially holding her on his lap and watching cartoons together.
Mark will be remembered for the lasting impact he made on those around him.
He is survived by his wife, Tish; his daughter, Taylor; and granddaughter, Dottie (his pride and joy). He is also survived by his mother, Shirley Akagi; his brother, Michael Baker; and his sister, Michelle Baker, along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Baker; and his son and best friend, Josh Baker.
A celebration of Mark’s life will take 2-4 p.m., July 18, in Ulysses, at Tate’s Barbecue (Event Room). Please come and join Mark’s family and bring your stories.
