Dennis Ray Baker

Dr. Dennis Ray Baker, 80, of Topeka, Kansas, died on August 30, 2023. He was born in Caldwell, Kansas, on March 25, 1943, to Kenneth Ralph and Alice Caroline (Balsley) Baker. He attended Bluff City, Kansas schools K-12, graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology Education, Pittsburg State University with a Masters in Science, and Oklahoma State University with a doctorate in Adult and Occupational Education.

In the summer of 1962, Dennis met Kathleen Anne Troyer through a mutual friend. He knew the first time he saw Kathy, he would marry her. They married on August 22, 1964, at the Methodist Church in Attica, Kansas. After receiving his Master's Degree in 1966, they moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he taught at Coleman Junior High and Wichita South High School until 1971. He also used his love for cars and worked at Axle and Wheel alignment with his lifelong friend, Larry Standiford during that time. In 1971, Dennis and Kathy moved to Anthony, Kansas, where he taught at Chaparral High School and began farming on the family farm in the summer and doing construction work in the winter. In the fall of 1986, Dennis and Kathy moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where Dennis earned his doctorate, and then on to Topeka, Kansas, where he worked for Governor Mike Hayden and then the State Conservation Commission until his retirement in 2010.

Dennis and Kathy built a wonderful family, but this did not come without struggle. After losing two infant children, Don and DeAnne were born and brought many happy memories. They meant everything to him, and he was so proud of the families they are raising.

Though Dennis loved woodworking, carpentry, and car tinkering, his favorite role was that of a

grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids Hayden, Hailey, Hampton, and Davis and loved being their Papa. He never failed to support them in all they did, and they knew how proud he was and how much he loved them.

Dennis was passionate about farming, helping others, teaching, and research. He was a missionary in Ecuador, on countless committees for the state of Kansas and nationally, his community, various churches, and was on the Emporia State University Alumni Board of Directors. He received numerous awards and acknowledgments for his dedication to the field of education.

Dennis will be remembered for his giving personality, many many stories, a good joke, meticulous woodworking skills, and his love to feed friends and family with his delicious BBQ. We could not have asked for a better husband, father, Papa, uncle, and friend. Dennis will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Dennis was preceded in death by his infant son, William Eugene Baker; infant Baby Girl Baker; father, Kenneth Ralph Baker; brother, Kenneth Eugene Baker; and mother, Alice Caroline Balsley Baker. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Kathy of Topeka, Kansas; son, Don Baker (Elizabeth) Austin, Texas; daughter, DeAnne Beck (Kevin) of Topeka, Kansas; grandchildren, Hayden Beck, Hailey Beck, Hampton Baker, and Davis Baker; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of Life is planned for October 14, 2023, at the home of Dennis and Kathy at 11:00 a.m. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Team Blake Foundation, 4948 SE Croco Road Berryton, KS 66409, or Emporia State University Foundation ℅ Biology Department.  A heartfelt thank you to Davidson Funeral Home, Topeka Kansas, for their services.