Scott Kelly Baker, age 59, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the ones he loved, on January 6, 2021, at the home of his son, in Sheridan, MI. He spent the last weeks of his life embraced with love, hugs, storytelling and laughter.
He was a devoted father, “papa”, brother and friend to many. Scott was born to Arthur and Elaine (McCrumb) Baker on March 28, 1961, in Lansing, MI. He spent most of his childhood in Portland, MI and later graduated from Lakeview High School. He played college basketball in Oregon and Wyoming, and was said to have had one of the deadliest shots his coach had ever seen. After college, you could find him playing city league baseball and basketball, hitting home runs over the fence and taking advantage of the three point line.
In 1986, he started a family with his wife, Pamela (Bogue) Baker. They were married for many years and remained life-long friends. They raised four beautiful children together; they were his pride and joy. He spent his life teaching them all he knew, and was beyond proud of the adults they had become. He loved just as much being a “papa”, teaching his grandchildren to hunt, fish, and play sports. Hunting was his passion, especially for whitetail deer. His last hunting adventure was one of his best yet, shooting the biggest whitetail buck of his life. He had a love for music and said that it kept him calm through his courageous battle with cancer. He had a big, bright, beautiful smile and infectious laugh. He will be missed more than words can express.
Scott is survived by the mother of his children and live-long friend, Pamela Baker of Greenville, MI; daughters, Kelly Hughes (Michael Kechter) of Riverton, WY and Kimberly (Josh) Kruger of Trufant, MI; and sons, Matthew Baker (Heather Harrington) of Sheridan, MI and Tylor Baker (Keristin Hetherington) of Lakeview, MI; grandchildren, Madison, Carter and Skylar Bristol, Hadlee and Dryson Hughes, and Levi Hetherington; sisters, Jeanne Green of Lowell, MI and Rebecca Baker of Fowlerville, MI; and brothers, Terrance (Jan) Baker of Farwell, MI and Art (Betty) Baker of Hudson, WY; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins and more friends than one can count.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his cousin, Dennis Smith, who was more like a brother.
Scott’s children would like to extend a special thank you to Pete Carroll and everyone at Whitehouse Whitetails for treating our dad with grace and love and giving him the ultimate gift of the hunt of a lifetime. He was so proud of that moment and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness. Also, to everyone who sent Christmas cards to dad during the holiday season, and there were a lot, thank you! His spirit was brightened by each and every one of them and we will cherish the laughter, tears, and memories they induced.
A memorial gathering will be held from 12:00 to 3:00 pm Friday, January 15, 2021 at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville. Private services will follow. A public Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Tylor Baker, 7465 N. Johnson Rd., Lakeview, MI 48850, on January 15, 2021, starting at 4pm.
Please join us for an evening of good food, laughter, storytelling and music, as we celebrate the man we all loved so dearly. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the needs of the family, and memories and messages of condolence may be shared at www.hurstfh.com, where Scott’s memorial video may also be viewed.