Kenneth Floyd Baker

Kenneth Floyd Baker, age 92, of Ozark/Mint Hill, Missouri, went to his forever home on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Harbor Place in Linn.

Ken was born in Chamois on April 13, 1931, the eldest son of Floyd and Alice Baker.

When the family moved to Mint Hill, Ken attended the Liberty School and helped in the Mint Hill Store/ Post Office. He graduated from Chamois High School. After high school, Ken 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, he helped Floyd and Alice on the farm in Mint Hill.

Ken joined the United States 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 he developed a love for the ocean, tropical living, and Florida itself.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Ken enrolled in the University of Missouri-Columbia. On his first night of college, he met his future wife, Joy at a barnwarming dance. He graduated with a BS in Agriculture and a Masters in Extension Education.

Ken and Joy were married June 9, 1956. They settled in Ozark, Missouri, where Ken was a Christian/Greene County Extension Agent. Later he worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and enjoyed dealing in antiques. He 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, Florida.

Ken 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. He enjoyed a fishing trip to Canada, fishing off the beach in Florida and of course fishing in local ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Ken had a humble nature, and always thought more of others’ needs than of his own. He 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 his parents, Floyd Wayman Baker and Alice Imojene Baker, nee Duncan, and his wife of 61 years, Joy Eileen Baker, nee Pittenger.

Ken is survived by his brother, Dr. Jim Baker (Stillwater, OK), two nieces, and one nephew; by his sons: Dr. Bradley Baker (Chesterfield, MO), Brian Baker (Chicago, IL), and Bruce Baker (Mint Hill, MO), their spouses, and his nine grandchildren: Rachel, Sarah, Erica, Christian, Alex, Matthew, Claire, Autumn, and Vivien Baker. He is also survived by a loving group of friends and caregivers at Harbor Place in Linn.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Oklahoma Church of Christ in Osage County, Missouri. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Dr. Phillip Burden officiating.  Interment will be in the Oklahoma Church of Christ Cemetery.    

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Oklahoma Church of Christ Cemetery Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)

www.mortonchapel.com