Richard Reno Baker, 58, passed away February 18, 2018 at St Catherine’s Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. He was born September 12, 1959 to Cecil W. and Billie Marie (Kingery) Baker in Fullerton, Nebraska. Later in life Richard pursued a degree in Education from Fort Hays State University, graduating in 1994. He married Mary Gail Watson on August 6, 1994 on the porch of his parent’s home in Sublette.

He enjoyed photography, cars and was a kid at heart when it came to gaming. Richard taught school at Golden Plains High School, South Middle School in Liberal, Kenneth Henderson Middle School in Garden City and Sublette High School. He enjoyed teaching kids in many different subjects but was dedicated to inspiring kids to dream. He spent time with kids helping them develop their interests. Rich focused on academics and any competition that would challenge the youth to use their minds. He had a way of knowing which kids needed a little extra attention and he made every student feel special. He gave of his time generously between taking pictures, sponsoring proms, DJing dances or anything else. He supported every student who came his way selling something. Richard's relationships with his students and his ability to connect with them individually will leave a lasting legacy.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Gail of Sublette, KS; daughters, Jammie Marie Lawrence and husband Brad of Saint Joseph, MO, Tammy Sue Baker of Overland Park, KS, Jill Lynn Baker of Saint Joseph, MO; a son, John Darby and wife Kayre Watson of Sublette, Ks; grandchildren, Taylor, Dylan, Jaden, Jagger, Gunner, Dayton, Ellie, Maria, Sienna, Kambrie, and Hunter; a brother, Robert Baker and wife Linda of Garden City, KS; sisters, Treva Grotelueschen of Sunbury OH, and Kathy Robson of Baldwin City, KS.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lynn Duvall, brothers-in-law, Bill Robson, and Larry Grotelueschen

A Memorial Service will be 10am Friday, February 23rd, 2018 in the North Gymnasium of Sublette High School with Rev. Dr. William R. Thomas and Pastor Eddie Pennington officiating. Cremation has been entrusted to the Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory of Sublette, KS. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, suggested memorial contributions are to the Richard R. Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please make checks payable to Sublette Public School Foundation with the Richard R. Baker Memorial Scholarship in the memo line in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com