Ivan Ellsworth Baker

Ivan "Bear" Baker, 87, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2024. Ivan was born on May 26, 1937 in Baltimore, Maryland. Ivan married Olga Swope, his childhood sweetheart after moving to Kansas City, Missouri. Ivan enjoyed working with gems and minerals, making jewelry, wind chimes and belt buckles along with cutting and polishing his own stones. Ivan and Olga loved to travel to swap meets and shows, buying, selling and trading their wares. They also shared a passion for traveling and bowling among other hobbies. Ivan was a hard worker, and was quick to share a story, advice, or anything else he could with family and strangers alike.

Ivan is preceded in death by his wife, Olga Baker; and sister Blanche.

Ivan is survived by his son, Van Jay Baker; three stepchildren, Robin, Delbert, and Leo Swope; and six grandchildren.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital in Ivan's name.

The family would like to thank St. Luke's Hospice House for their care and compassion in taking care of Ivan and the family.