Charles Burton Baker

Charles Burton Baker, 57, Topeka, passed away February 27, 2013, at his residence. He was born August 9, 1955, in Topeka, KS, the son of Jerry S. and Patricia L. Ecord Baker.

Charles was a 1973 graduate of Washburn Rural High School and later earned his B.S. in Education in 1977 from Kansas State University. He taught high school journalism and English for many years in the communities of Junction City, Abilene, and Osawatomie, retiring in May 2011. Charles held the position of Administrative Assistant for Topeka Symphony Orchestra from June 2011 to August 2012. On July 23, 1977, in Topeka, KS, Charles married Kristi Ann Williams. She survives. Other survivors include daughters Barbara L. McCall and Elizabeth Baker; sister, Becky Hatesohl; and three grandchildren, Joshua Dillon McCall, Jacob Robert McCall, and Mason Charles Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents. Charles was a member of Osage Valley Lodge #24 AF & AM, Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies, Arab Shrine Temple, and St. David's Episcopal Church.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013, at St. David's Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th St., Topeka, KS 66604. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Mr. Baker will lie in state after 3:00 p.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604, where the family will receive friends from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. David's Episcopal Church, Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Cr., Topeka, KS 66606, or Saint Luke's Brain Tumor Center, 4400 Broadway Ste. 510, Kansas City, MO 64111.