David W. Baker

David W. Baker, better known as Dave, Bake, Baker, Uncle Arkie and Dummy, passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2024, in Topeka, Kansas, after a two-year battle with cancer. Born on September 20, 1945, in Arkansas City, Kansas, Dave's stubborn and ornery nature and generous spirit were themes throughout his 78 years of life.

Dave was a graduate of Ark City High School, class of 1963. Following high school, he enlisted in the Kansas Air National Guard. For the next 28 years he would travel the globe with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, including active-duty tours in Vietnam and Desert Storm. After his retirement in 1993 as a Senior Master Sergeant, he worked the remainder of his career for the Kansas Department of Emergency Management.

After enlisting, Dave met and married his wife, Pat, August 30, 1969. They settled in Topeka and spent the next 54 years making friends and creating memories. Their adventures included bowling and softball tournaments, middle of the night Folgers coffee drop-ins, and having two daughters, Ronda and Terri. He loved his family deeply, instilling a strong work ethic and a love of sports and the outdoors in both his daughters.

He was an avid golfer, possibly finding more joy in the weeds locating lost golf balls, than he did on the greens and fairways. He also looked forward to deer season and enjoyed perfecting and maintaining his deer boxes, where he occasionally spent as much time snoring as shooting.

Dave will be remembered as someone always willing to lend a hand, always needing a haircut, and his inability to pass up anything free. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him.

Dave is survived by his wife Pat of Topeka, KS; daughter Ronda Baker and Julie Griffin of Salina, KS; daughter Terri Baker of Mesa, AZ; brother Kenny Baker of Placentia, CA; brother Rodney and Jane Baker of Wichita, KS; sister Karyl and Gale Harper of Evansville, IN; cousin David and Debbie Baker of Lenexa, KS; plus an uncle, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Ethel (Dodson) Baker and sister-in-law Linda Baker.

An informal come-and-go party to celebrate Dave's life will be held at Wade and Lori Durkes on Saturday, April 20 from 1:00-4:00pm at 10743B Hwy K4, Maple Hill, KS 66507 (approx. 1 mile west of Somerset Cafe). Military Honors will be performed at 1:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests cards be sent to Pat in care of Midwest Cremation, 525 SE 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66605.