Kenneth Eugene Baker Sr. - 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away suddenly in Fairbanks on June 17, 2014. Ken resided in Northway, Alaska with his wife Donna along the Alaska Highway.
Ken was born February 6, 1938 in Little Washington, Pennsylvania to the late Glenn T. Baker and Helen L (Smith) Baker of Moundsville, West Virginia. He obtained his GED when he was 16, then asked his father to sign a military waiver in order to join the Air Force, and when his father refused he instilled the assistance of his uncle Jack, who signed the waiver for him. It was during his tour at Eielson Air Force Base Ken met, pursued, and married the love of his life, Dora Donna Baker in Fairbanks, Alaska. He served 16 years before being honorably discharged as a Staff Sargent in 1970. During this time he was a chef at the Non-Commissioned Officers club and held other jobs to meet the demands of his growing family.
Ken enjoyed playing softball, his pitching skills made him a legend in the Interior as the fastest-pitcher in Alaska, his skills as an outdoorsman earned him the Athabascan name,” (Hų k’eh kol – He leaves no trail),”when the late Stephan & Walter Northway noticed he walked so softly in the woods he did not leave a trail. He also enjoyed cutting wood, fishing, hunting, and trapping the land that he knew well and loved.
He also served as a member of the Northway Volunteer Fire Department, EMT, state fire-fighter, alcohol counselor, a long-time member of the National Rifle Association and recently retired from heavy equipment operator for the State of Alaska Department of Transportation.
Ken is survived by his bride of 56 ½ years Donna, children; Diana (Tom) Ervin, Pam (William) Albert, Ken Baker Jr, Rhonda Baker Joseph, John Baker, and Natalie Baker. Sister- Bonnie Chambers, Brother- Glenn T. Baker Jr., his “other” kids- Florence Jimmie, Joanna Delcase, Bernard Hildebrand, David Spry and Katie Westby. He leaves behind the special joys of his life- his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
On June 22, 2014 Ken was laid to rest at home over-looking the rivers, streams and land he loved dearly along the Alaska Highway surrounded by family and friends. Ken is preceded in death by his parents- Glenn and Helen Baker, Brothers: Ronald and William Barker, Sister- Mary Jane (Baker) Hall and Great Grand Daughter- Kluane R. Baker.
Dad, Your presence, smile, teasing, and quick wit will be greatly missed by all of us we love you <3