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.