L. Kenneth Baker

L. Kenneth Baker (Kenny) of Phoenix, Arizona died October 28, 2015 at the age of 93. He died peacefully next to the love of his life, Ollie Mae. Kenny was born in Richmond, Missouri on August 18, 1922. He came, by train, to Phoenix in the mid 1930’s and graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1941. He met Ollie Mae while working as a paperboy for the Arizona Republic and The Phoenix Gazette. She was a mere 13 years old and they went on to marry the following year in 1942. On August 30th of this year, they celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary. In 1941, he went to work for Hydraulic Brake Supply at the age of 18. He then went on to be a traveling salesman for S.K. Wellman Company from 1952 to 1963. In 1966, he bought Hall Brake Supply, a brake and clutch parts store for automotive heavy duty trucks and industrial machinery. After a successful 35 years, he sold the business and retired. He retired as an Icon in the brake and clutch industry. He could recall parts for Model A Fords to the latest off highway equipment today. He was well known for challenging those around him to always be better, and they were due to his mentorship. Kenny lived a full meaningful life. A life where he had no regrets. He always had a sharp mind, and a quick wit that kept him active long after retirement. He never knew a stranger and always made those who were close to him feel like he was their “dad”. He was an active sports fan and had a special love for hunting. Besides his love for his family, hunting and fishing were two of Kenny’s biggest passions. Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Ollie Mae; three children, Sharon Baker, Kenny Baker, Jr and Sharleen Goodell (David); grandchildren David Baker (Tammy), Daniel Baker, Jeremy Totel (Rebecca), Jon Totel, Chris Totel, Payton Baker and Sterling Baker; great grandchildren Joshua and Emily Baker, Charlie and Auggie Totel and Catherine and Cosette Totel. In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to Palmcroft Church, 15825 North 35th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85053. The family would also like to thank Desert Oasis Hospice and the Palmcroft Church members. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 7, 2015, in the Chapel, at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary, 719 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85009. Visitation will begin at 10:00am with services following at 11:00am.

God saw that he was getting tired and a cure was not to be.

So He put His arms around him and whispered “Come to Me”

With tearful eyes we saw him suffer and we saw him fade away.

Although we couldn’t bear to lose him, we couldn’t make him stay.

A golden heart stopped beating. Hard working hands were laid to rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the very best.

Author Unknown