Bill Baker

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Bill (Billy Ray) Baker, 93, of Pittsburg, died at 2:10 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2019 at his home.

He was born December 7, 1925 at Joplin, Missouri, the son of Raymond Earl and Leah Ruth (Skogman) Baker. In his early years, the family lived in Columbus, Fort Scott, and Neodesha, Kansas. As a Neodesha High School senior, he enlisted early in the Navy in 1944. After graduation, he was sent to Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg for Naval Air Corp training (V5-V12). He also served on the USS YMS 193 Minesweeper, and was honorably discharged in July 1946 when World War II ended. Bill returned to Gorilla Country and graduated from KSTC in 1949.

On August 13, 1950, Bill married his college sweetheart, Dorothy Dearing at the First Christian Church in Ft Scott, Kansas. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in 2018.

Bill worked at Foodtown Supermarket for 41 years as a student employee, manager and supervisor in Butler, Missouri and Neodesha, El Dorado, and Pittsburg, Kansas. He later worked in other food-related businesses until his retirement.

In retirement, Bill and Dorothy enjoyed many trips taken with family and friends, but most of Bill’s time was devoted to helping others.

Bill was an active and faithful member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pittsburg. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Masonic Order, a long-time member of the Noon Kiwanis and had served as co-chairman for the local Meals on Wheels, where he delivered meals for as long as he was able.

Bill’s greatest love and constant devotion was for his family. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of the home; a son, Kirk Baker (Janet) of El Dorado, Kansas; a daughter, Kathy Stuckey (Douglas) of Pittsburg; grandchildren, Sara Stiver (Donnie) of Walton, Kansas, Chris Baker of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jeff Baker (Heather) of El Dorado, Maggie Stuckey Ramirez (Jason) of Omaha, Nebraska; 8 great-grandchildren, Brittney, Ethan, Jonathon McDonald, Kaylee, Avery, and Caleb Baker, Jacob and Colton Studebaker, and three beloved nephews, Brad Scott (Kathi) Wegscheider, Scott Wegscheider, and Mike DeLeersnyder (Karen).

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Beverly Watkins, Helen DeLeersnyder and husband Bert, sister-in-law, Margie Wegscheider and husband, Chuck.

The family would like to especially thank Harry Hynes Hospice caregivers, Lori Cole, Beverly Burns, Lisia Combs, and Renee Lomax, also Kathy Ewing and Zack Coulter for the excellent care they gave Bill.








Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday (March 5) at the First Christian Church with Rev. Pat Nixon officiating. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. in the National Cemetery at Ft. Scott, Kansas, where the US Navy Funeral Honors will provide military rites. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Brenner Mortuary, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Monday. The family suggests memorials be given to the First Christian Church &/or Harry Hynes Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.