In Remembrance Of
Gus Baker
Merlin “Gus” Baker, 92, of Kansas City, MO passed away, April 7, 2025.
He was born on May 1, 1932 to Loyd and Marie (Smith) Baker in Martinsville, MO. Gus grew up in Harrison County, MO graduated from New Hampton High School. He then served his county in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
On October 5, 1957 he was united in marriage to Patsy Jane Howard. After their marriage they lived in Maryville while Gus completed his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. In 1960 they moved to Kansas City where they made their home. Gus later received his master’s in mathematics and physics from the University of Illinois.
Gus was a Math Teacher in the NKC School System. The majority of his career was spent at Oak Park High School from 1965 until 1989 where he was also the golf coach. He also taught at Maple Woods Community College for many years.
He was a member of the Paradise United Methodist Church. Gus was an avid golfer and loved to read. He could also bake a wonderful cinnamon roll.
Gus was preceded in death by his parents, Hershel (Winnie) Baker, Leola (Duane) Bartlett, Bill (Leona) Baker, Donnie (Loretta) Baker, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bob Hatton, Dwight (Helen) Howard, Duane (Martha) Howard, Barbara (Emmett) DuBois, and Martha Nelle (Jesse Alan) Edwards.
He is survived by his wife, Patty; children, Howard (Barb) Baker, Patrick (Mary Kay) Baker, and Nina (Kevin) Thiessen; grandchildren, Austin (Aubri) Baker, Stephen (Emily) Baker, Scott (Ayla) Baker, Anna (Daniel) Morales, and Miranda (Robert) Haftl; great-grandchildren, Evan ,Nicholas, and Eric; siblings, Harold (Linda) Baker, Norma (Leroy) Beck, and Letha Hatton; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn (Ernest) Mosby; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Visitation: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, April 14th at Paradise United Methodist Church, Smithville, MO.
Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 15th at Paradise United Methodist Church, Smithville, MO.
Burial with Military Honors: Community of Smithville Memorial Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.
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Service Details
Community of Smithville Memorial Cemetery
6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, April 14th at Paradise United Methodist Church, Smithville, MO.
10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 15th at Paradise United Methodist Church, Smithville, MO.
Comments & condolences
6 comments
Jeff Tischer (class of '76)
My sincerest condolences to the Baker family.
Mr./Coach Baker was my Geometry teacher as well as my golf coach at OPHS. His boundless patience and eagerness to teach were on full display in both roles! (I think it’s objectively proper to admit that our golf teams back then weren’t exactly the most talent-laden. 🙂 ).
Through it all, Mr. Baker’s ever-present smile and calm demeanor and encouragement helped us all do the best we could. And, in my opinion, that is a very admirable legacy, to have impacted so many young lives in such a positive way!
Cindy Ruttan OPHS '81
Condolences to his family during this time. He was such a wonderful Math teacher;explained things so well making it understandable. The OPHS alumni page has tons of memories posted from former students. One of the handful of teachers one will always remember ” Mr B” or “The Bakes” RIP.
Cynthia Dunlap
Thank you, Mr. Baker, for having the patience and making the time to tutor me in geometry. I think of you often and am thankful for you getting me through that class.
Deborah Asberry
Mr. Baker was such a fine man. I had him for algebra and geometry. He had the patience of Jobe with us. I’m sure we were a challenge to him some days, but he was very bright and always had an interest in his students. my condolences to you and your family
Rebecca Hyder
Howard, we are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Erdman
Sending sincere condolences to Mary Kay and Patrick’s family, praying God will bring you peace and comfort in this difficult season. 🙏❤️
Jennifer Erdman