Charles Carey Baker

Born on March 25, 1955, in Michigan, Carey lived a life marked by intelligence, creativity, and kindness. He grew up with a deep appreciation for the natural world, a love that would shape both his personal interests and his professional path. From an early age, he showed a thoughtful and observant spirit, qualities that remained with him throughout his life and were evident in the way he approached his work, his family, and the world around him.

Carey graduated from Midland High School in 1973 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He later completed his Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture at Michigan State University. His education reflected both his artistic eye and his practical understanding of design and the outdoors, and he carried those gifts into a career that allowed him to combine creativity with craftsmanship and a genuine respect for the land.

He was a partner of Beckett and Raeder Landscaping, where he brought skill, ambition, vision, and dedication to his work. Carey took pride in creating spaces that were both beautiful and meaningful, and his professional life reflected the same care and attention to detail that he brought to all things. His work was not simply a job, but an extension of who he was, blending his love of nature, photography, and landscape architecture into a life’s calling.

Carey was an avid photographer with a remarkable eye for nature and a deep love of the outdoors. He especially enjoyed skiing, particularly at Mount Mariah in Hubbard Lake, Michigan, and he found great joy in hunting deer, geese, and duck, as well as fishing. He also loved tending to his flower garden. He and Gail shared many peaceful walks through fields and wilderness, capturing beautiful images and enjoying the quiet beauty of the world together. His passions were not casual hobbies, but enduring expressions of the way he experienced life, with patience, wonder, and appreciation.

He was a devoted supporter of his children and took great pride in their accomplishments. Carey was always present for Ryan’s soccer and skiing events and was equally supportive of Rachael’s figure skating. He valued family deeply and showed his love through steady encouragement, presence, and care. His children and grandchildren knew him as a strong, loving father and grandfather whose support and pride were constant. His family was the center of his life, and he cherished every role he held within it.

Carey is survived by his beloved wife, Gail, whom he married on December 18, 1976, at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Midland, Michigan, and with whom he shared nearly 50 wonderful years of marriage. He is also survived by his son, Ryan Baker and his wife, Maigan, and his daughter, Rachael Way and her husband, Jake Wilson. He was a proud grandfather of Hunter, Hannah, Kadin, and Sunny. He is survived by his brothers, Kevin Baker and his wife, Meegan, and Curt Baker and his wife, Lori. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Kathy and Carolyn. He also leaves behind Butter the cat, who was a cherished part of the family.

Those who knew Carey will remember a man of uncommon creativity, quiet strength, and genuine warmth. He had a way of seeing beauty in the world and sharing that vision with others through his photography, his work, and his everyday life. His presence enriched the lives of those around him, and his legacy will live on in the family he loved, the landscapes he shaped, and the many memories he created with those closest to him.

Carey Baker will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Carey's family will welcome friends for a memorial gathering on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, located at 3295 East Highland Road, Highland, Michigan. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 PM at the funeral home.

Please share a memory or leave a condolence with Carey's family.