Michael David Baker

21 May 1953 in Wichita, Kansas - 28 FEb 2006 in Wichita, Kansas

Mr. Michael David "Mike" Baker, age 52, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away at 2:45 AM, Tuesday, February 28th, 2006 suddenly at his home, Wichita, Kansas.

Michael David Baker, the son of Marion D. and Marie (Taylor) Baker, was born May 21, 1953 at Wichita, Kansas. He was one of four children born to this union, two sons and two daughters: Mike, Martha, Mark, and Susan. Mike attended the Wichita grade schools, Allison Middle School, and graduated from West High School in 1971. Mike answered his call to serve his country during Vietnam and was honorable discharged for medical reasons. He attended a truck driving school in which he graduated from. Mike's first job was with Wes Con as a set up man and later worked for the Kansas Foundation for the Blind as a maintenance and in house inspector, both of Wichita. It was during this time that he met his wife to be.

On February 14, 1981 Mike was united in marriage to Sue E. VanDoren and her two children at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Tescott, Kansas. The family established their first home together at Oaklawn, Kansas. Mike was blessed with three wonderful children, Mary Sue, John, and Mark. Mike and Sue raised the oldest two children in Marquette, Kansas and played a very important part of their lives. The youngest child was also born in Marquette. Mike, Sue, and Mark later moved to Canton, Kansas. Mike and Sue owned and operated the Dari-Bar & Grill from 1981 until they sold their business. Mike then began working as a custodian for the Trinity Lutheran Church where they were members. In 2005 the couple moved to Wichita, Kansas where Mike was taking care of his parents. Through the years Mike enjoyed playing drums for the Lone Star, Westerners, Double Take, Rhythm and Heart, Triple Play, and he was currently playing for the Renegade Band. On February 14, 2006 Mike and Sue along with their three kids and grandchildren renewed their vows at Trinity Lutheran Church Chapel, McPherson, Kansas.

Mike was a devoted Christian, loving and caring son, husband father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, band member, and friend. Those who knew and loved him will miss his wise counsel, gentle guidance, gracious smile, and sense of humor. He loved his children very much and always wanted them to do the best that they could and to follow their dreams. He was especially fond of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always looking forward to their visits and times they could spend together. Mike's biggest joy was making music and playing the drums. He was especially proud of his son and grandson for following his footsteps. He also enjoyed dancing, watching his Kansas City Chiefs and spending time with his family.

On Tuesday February 28, 2006 Mike passed away suddenly and entered into eternal rest at his home, Wichita, Kansas. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Mark Baker.

Surviving members of his family include his loving and devoted wife, of over twenty-five years, Sue Baker, of the home, Wichita, Kansas; his children, Mary Sue Stimatze and her husband Walt, of Tescott, Kansas, John Baker and his wife Ronda, of Canton, Kansas, and Mark Baker and his wife Rebecca, of Wichita, Kansas; his parents, Marion and Marie Baker, of the home, Wichita, Kansas; his sisters, Martha Bebout and her husband Doug, of Wichita, Kansas, and Susan Kendrick, of Whitewater, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Mara Stimatze, Wyatt Stimatze, Wade Stimatze, Jerry Baker, Sara Baker, Amanda Sigmon, Ashley Brown, and D.J. Sigmon, four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; several great nieces and nephews; other relatives, band members, and a host of friends.

Friends are invited to call on Friday March 3rd, from 3 to 7 p.m. with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church Chapel, McPherson, Kansas.

The funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, McPherson, Kansas. at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4th, with Reverend Michael J. Fibranz officiating.

The final resting place will be the McPherson Cemetery McPherson, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or or the Mike Baker Memorial Fund, both in care of Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas.