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Richard Reno
Baker

September 12, 1959 – February 18, 2018

Richard Baker
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Memorial Candles Lit for Richard | SEE ALL
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
— Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory
"I was so excited to meet Mr. Baker after all the stories I had heard from my cousins growing up. He means so much to our family, we'll never..."
— Tate Weidner
"MR Baker what an incredible inspiration to so many. Thank you for everything you did for all the youth and us adults as well. Never will..."
— Eric Webber
"Dear Mary Gail and family, What a wonderful life lived-he gave so much to so many. The testimonies from all "his" school kids tell the meaning..."
— Sue Messerly
"So sorry to hear about your loss.Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The Davidson ..."
— Davidson Family
"I pray for peace during this time and may God carry you through this time. "He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you..."
— Desiree Harvey
"Richard "Mr. Baker" was a light to all students he taught. He brought out math skills in students who didn't think they had it in them...."
— Tarpein Family
"Rich was very welcoming when we moved to town. He was a great coworker and friend to Ryan. He was very sincere and you knew he cared for..."
— Marissa Hafeb
"Sincere condolences to Mary Gail and family. We are saddened to learn of the passing of Richard. May God draw near to each of you and p..."
— Roderick (Rod) and Rebecca (Becky) Hoffman--Manhattan, KS

Obituary for Richard Reno Baker

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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

To send flowers to the family of Richard Reno Baker, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Service Information

When
February 23, 2018 10:00am
Location
Sublette High School - North Gymnasium
Address
501 Ellis Street
Sublette, KS 67877

Interment Information

Location
Haskell County Cemetery
Address
1349 Hwy. 83
Sublette, Kansas 67877
Interment Extra Info
Inurnment will be at a later date.