Gary N. Baker

It is with great sadness that the family of Gary Baker report his sudden passing on May 17, 2025. Gary Baker was born August 23, 1946, in Butler, Missouri. As a toddler he moved to Columbia, Missouri, where he grew up with his parents and older brother and younger sister. He often commented on what a good life and upbringing he experienced.

His entrepreneurial spirit started early, earning newspaper carrier of the year as a young paperboy. As a teenager he and his brother worked alongside their dad at the family's "Baker's Super Service" gas station near Rocheport, Missouri, continuing his strong work ethic motivation. He enrolled at the University of Missouri. After two years he joined the United States Air Force, where he spent three years in Italy earning a special place in his heart for service personnel.

Upon honorable discharge, he returned to the University of Missouri where he earned a degree in Accounting. He spent time in public accounting, later joining Amoco Oil as an internal auditor, and Peterson Machine Tool as vice president of finance. It was while at Amoco he earned his CPA license and shortly after his financial planner certification.

At Amoco he met his wife Connie. They were married in 1987. Gary was the love of her life, and they enjoyed many years as season ticket holders to KC football, baseball, soccer, and hockey teams. They also enjoyed trips to Vegas with friends, attending movies and live theatre, playing cards, and love of animals. In later years they enjoyed more time at home watching sports on tv, playing penny slots at casinos, dinner theatre, eating out with friends.

Gary was a kind, giving man who always enjoyed helping those around him. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Anna May. He is survived by his wife, Connie who will forever treasure each moment shared with him and can't imagine life without him, brother Dean Baker (Linda); sister Marcia Reynolds (Leon); nieces, Sabrina Hubbard (Mike) and Melissa Pasley (Jimmy); nephews, Jeff Baker (Laura) and Chris Reynolds (Ashley); and many great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.