Obituary of John Kenneth Baker

Spencer - Mr. John "Big John" Kenneth Baker, age 70, passed away Wednesday May 20, 2015 at Vanderbilt Medical Center. He was born in Fort Lewis, Washington on January 14, 1945 to the late Isaac Leon and Lela Mae Baker. He was an Elder and member of the church of Christ at Bethlehem. He served as a volunteer firefighter for Van Buren county for 20 years and took over ownership of Baker's store from his parents, which he ran for 23 more years. Later he worked at STSRCF and retired after 25 years of service. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Baker; Sons Kenny and Hope Baker, Rodney and Carrie Baker, and Derek and BJ Baker; Grandchildren Jared and Leah Baker, Darrin and Hollie Baker, Kaitlin, Dara, Desarai, Jaylan, John Isaac, Gabriel, and Iliana Baker; Great Grandchildren London and Luna Baker; and Step Grandchildren Paul Siebers, Alex Simmons, Jacob Strickler, and Hannah Simmons. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents Howard Rhame and Bertie Gannon, and John and Bessie Baker. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday May 28, 2015 at the Bethlehem Church of Christ with Brother Billy Reed officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church from 4:00 PM until time of service Thursday. Layne Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.