Ken Baker

JUNE 28, 1942 – MAY 4, 2023

Mendell Kenneth Baker, 80, of Terre Haute, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born on June 28, 1942, in Morgantown, WV to Mendell J and Helen (Pixler) Baker. He married Karen Gienow on January 9, 1971.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Karen Baker of Terre Haute; children, Kyle Mendell Baker and wife Joni of Terre Haute; Kavonne Mayeski and husband Ullrich of Nashville, TN; Kraig Baker and fiancée Natasa Dubak of Chicago; and Kent Baker and wife Libby of St. Charles, IL; grandchildren: Zoe, Audrey, Sadie, Landric, Marin, Decker Kenneth, Axel, Madelyn, Ozzie Mendell, Mya, and Presley; sister, Nancy Casteel and husband Gary; brothers, Don Baker and wife Sherry, and Bob Baker and wife Marge; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Samantha Baker.

Ken proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a graduate of West Virginia University. Ken began his career for Hercules/AET/Taghleef Industries in 1969 as an engineer and retired in 2014 as the Human Resources Director.

A man that did not let grass grow under his feet, he was the boys soccer coach at Terre Haute North and a founding member of the Terre Haute Flyers Soccer Program. He served on the Ivy Tech Community College Board of Directors at the local and state level, was Chairman of the Union Hospital System Board, and served as Chairman of the Board for the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. Ken was an active member and an elder at World Gospel Church. He was also Captain of Sports World, which connects professional athletes with students and encourages positive choices.

Ken enjoyed golfing and travelling when he wasn’t volunteering his time. He was devoted to his wife and his family. Above all else, Ken was a servant of God. It is by his faith that his family is comforted, knowing that he is in Heaven with his Lord and Savior.

Private graveside services will be held. The family will be receiving friends from 2 to 5 p.m. and a Celebration of Life will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 15, 2023 at World Gospel Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sports World at https://donorbox.org/ken-baker