Michael James Baker

Michael James Baker, age 76, passed away peacefully at home on December 12, 2025, surrounded by his four children and grandchildren. He was deeply loved and will be forever remembered by those who knew him.

Michael was born in Batesville, Arkansas, on October 13, 1949, to his parents, Andy Estes and Wanda Lee Baker. Growing up, he lived between Arkansas and Missouri, forming the roots that would shape his life and values.

Michael graduated from Park Hill High School in 1967 and was drafted into the United States Army on May 1, 1969. He proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the 514th Quartermaster Company, completing one tour in Vietnam. Michael was a hero and was very proud to be a United States Army veteran. He carried his service with quiet honor for the rest of his life.

After serving his country, Michael returned to Missouri to pursue higher education. He graduated from Missouri Western State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Business Management in December 1974.

Michael then attended Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master’s degree in Theology and Theological Studies, graduating in 1978. Following seminary, he devoted his life to ministry, helping to build Avondale Baptist Church and serving as a minister for Waldron Baptist Church.

Michael was a man of God who lived his faith through service. He married many couples, made countless hospital visits, welcomed others through the church Welcome Committee, faithfully served as a deacon, and led both men’s ministry and prayer ministry. He also participated in a mission trip to Estonia. Michael was always there for people when they needed him, living his life the way Christ would want him to live it, with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. To know Michael was to feel welcomed, prayed for, and never alone.

Alongside his ministry, Michael was a jack of many trades. He owned his own insurance agency for many years and also worked in vehicle sales, including with Car Smart. He was quite the salesman, known for his warmth, honesty, and ability to connect with people. Michael also played in the Men’s Softball League through Park Hill Baptist Church, an activity he truly enjoyed.

Michael met his sweetheart, Laurie Myers, through a college and career share group he led while attending Missouri Western. They were married on September 30, 1978, and together welcomed their four children, Rachel, Kristin, Matthew, and Eric.

He was a devoted father who raised his children in the church and was present for every season of their lives. Michael was at every baseball game, soccer match, volleyball game, dance recital, gymnastics meet, and swim meet. He changed every flat tire, took his family on countless road trips to Oklahoma and Arkansas to visit loved ones, took his children fishing, taught them how to shoot, played catch in the yard, and made every holiday special. He loved his children with all of his heart.

Michael’s children remember him as a gentle and kind father, who was always there for them. To them, he was safety, strength, and unconditional love — the strongest man they have ever known.

Michael was also an amazing Papa to his grandchildren, whom he adored deeply and loved without measure. His legacy lives on in the faith he shared, the lives he touched, and the family he loved so well. Michael now rests in the presence of the Savior he served so faithfully.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Laurie Lee Baker, mother, Wanda Lee Baker, father, Carl Baker, father, Andy Estes and mother, Edna Estes.

He is survived by his children: daughter Rachel Michelle Gold and her husband Andrew Patrick Gold; daughter Kristin Lee Baker; son Eric James Baker; and son Matthew James Baker and his wife Jennifer Loree Baker; two sisters, Carla Lewis and Andrea Estes ; and one brother, Bob Baker; two brother-in-laws, Brad Lewis and Greg Myers; two sister-in-laws, Patti Baker and Tutti Miller.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Gabriella Michelle Baker, Vincent Michael Achille, Anthony James Baker, Kamiah Lee Baker, Hanna Loree Baker, and Dominic James Baker, who brought him great pride and joy.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

As Michael would say, “It’s been quite a party.”

A visitation will be held at Harmony Vineyard Church, located at 600 NE 46th St, Kansas City, MO 64116, on December 19, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm.

Inurnment will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 1:30 PM, at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas.