Gary L. Baker, 79, of Hugoton passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. Gary was born in El Reno, Oklahoma, on September 7,1938. His parents were Carl and Iva (Frisby) Baker. Gary attended school in Holcomb, Kansas, and loved playing baseball, earning a baseball scholarship to Kansas State University. He was a lifetime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Another activity Gary participated in was 4-H, serving as president of his club. He continued his interest in 4-H during college as well.
He grew up helping on the family farm. After college he farmed on his own, mainly growing sugar beets and was awarded Outstanding Young Farmer of America for 1972-1973. In 1975 he received the Farm Efficiency Award from The Ford Motor Company.
Gary raised his three children Mike, Mark, and Michelle in Ulysses where he served on the school board and fair board. He enjoyed coaching Little League, taking his team to state. Gary also served on the Little League Board and used his own equipment to build and maintain the baseball fields.
While farming he helped develop the Ground Water District. When he quit farming, he worked for the Ground Water District as director.
He eventually moved to Hugoton and started a water meter business as well as owning a business as a Water Rights Consultant. He was a Stevens County Commissioner for 12 years and was a long-time member of Rotary Club. In his early years, Gary was a member of Kansas Jaycees.
In 2004 and 2011 Gary received the Distinguished Service Award from Stevens County Conservation District and Stevens County K-State Extension Service in appreciation of his outstanding community service. He also received Citizen of the Year Award in 2007 from Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce.
In 2007 Gary and Celain (Moore) Day were united in marriage. They both attended United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife Celain and his three children Mike Baker and Wanda of Weatherford, Texas, Mark Baker and wife Tish of Valdosta, Georgia, and Michelle Baker of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by his grandchildren Tyler Baker and wife Kelly of Ulysses, Tiffany Webb and husband Russell of Amarillo, Timothy Baker and wife Erica of Amarillo, Wesley Baker of Waco, Texas, Josh Baker and Taylor Baker of Valdosta, Brandon McEachern of New York City, and Alexis Taber of Seattle. He is also survived by his stepsons Cody, Cail, Cam, and Case Day all of Elk City, Oklahoma. Gary’s other stepsons are Christian Beauchamp of Belgrade, Montana, and Nicolas Beauchamp of Olathe, Kansas. His great- grandchildren are Keeler and Kalihan Baker of Ulysses and Bryon and Brody Webb of Amarillo.
Gary’s sister, Judy Satterfield of Emporia, preceded him in death. He is survived by two sisters (twins) Jane Rupp and husband Larry of Norman, Oklahoma, and Janice Sim and husband Jim “Rusty” of Leawood, Kansas.
Gary loved serving people and spent his life in selfless service to his community and the state of Kansas. He will be greatly missed.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 2:00pm at the United Methodist Church in Hugoton, interment in Haskell County Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the memorial fund at United Methodist Church or Pioneer Manor both of Hugoton.