Mark Curtis Baker

Mark Curtis Baker, 61, died July 12, 2005 near Logan, Utah in a fall while hiking in the Dry Canyon area of Logan Mountain. He was born February 3, 1944 in Hayward, California to Robert Leroy Baker, Sr. and Marguerite Edith Butske. Mark lived in Hayward until the age of 2, when the family moved to Warrensburg, Missouri in 1946. In 1950 the family relocated to Independence, Missouri, where he spent his growing years. He graduated from William Chrisman High School. After high school, Mark volunteered as a leader of a Boy Scout troop sponsored by the church he attended at the time, which was the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Stone Church Congregation. While scout leader, several summers Mark took boys from the troop to the Boy Scout Ranch, Philmont in New Mexico. The boys spent 10 days hiking in the wilderness mountains of Philmont. This gave him a chance to do one of the things he loved and that was to hike in the mountains. He lived in the greater Kansas City area, including Overland Park, Kansas just across the border. While living in Overland Park, Mark joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. About 1996 his love for the mountains and his association with the LDS Church got the best of him and he moved to Logan, Utah. Mark loved organ music. He had a collection of classical and religious organ music. He had a deep appreciation for the organ in the Tabernacle at Salt Lake City, and the RLDS Auditorium organ in Independence, Missouri. His occupation was in the carpet floor covering field. He worked in sales, measuring jobs, installation and as Manager at times. Mark was preceded in death by both parents and an older brother, Robert L. Baker, Jr. He is survived by a sister, Marguerite J. Solomon of Independence, Missouri; and three brothers: John R. Baker of Leeton, Missouri; Daryl B. Baker of Cheney, Kansas and Walter C. Baker of Independence, Missouri. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at the Logan City Cemetery under the direction of Nelson Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .