In Memory Of
Dr. D. Baker
1932
2021
Dr. D. Baker
June 15, 1932 — March 24, 2021
Dr. Lyle D. Baker, 88, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021.
Let us, his family, tell you a little about our Dad. He was born June 15th, 1932 in rural Wisconsin to J. Erwin and Minnie Baker. He was the last of seven children. His love for learning took him from a one room schoolhouse, to the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire (Bachelor's degree), to Brown University (Masters Degree), to the University of Northern Colorado where he received his Doctorate. He served his country in the United States Air Force where he trained as a pilot. He taught High School at Clear Lake Iowa and junior college at Mason City, Iowa. He was Science and Math coordinator for the Fort Dodge Public School system. In 1987, Dad began teaching at Washburn University in Topeka Kansas with the Department of Education and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, where he stayed until his retirement.
Dad was a force of energy. His love of learning was matched by his love of Bluegrass music and its history. He loved photography. And genealogy. He loved hiking and nature and travelling America and beyond. But there was nothing, absolutely nothing that was more important to Dad than his family. He made sure we knew that and felt that every day. And we love him just as fiercely.
He married Millie Johnson, in 1953 and of all of the things Dad loved, he loved her the most of all. They had the best life together until Mom left us on April 13, 2013. And although our hearts are breaking that our Dad is no longer with us, we rejoice in the knowledge that they are at last together again.
Dad was also preceded in death by brothers, Oris, Willis, Daryl and James and sisters LeAnn and Eva.
Dad is survived by his children, Steve Baker, Kris (Robert) Palmer, and Karin Baker; grandchildren, CJ (Sarah) Wilson, Erin (Kevin) Kerley, Jill (Jordon) Ollis, and Kaitie Baker; great-grandchildren Kylie, Max, Kenadie and Maci; and sister-in-law Marylin Howard.
Visitation will be 6-7:30pm Monday, March 29, 2021 at Mount Hope Cemetery & Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW 17th St., Topeka. Graveside services will be 11am, Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Road, Topeka, KS, 66604 or Washburn University Foundation, School of Education (math and science department), 1729 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.
To share a memory of Lyle or to leave a message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Let us, his family, tell you a little about our Dad. He was born June 15th, 1932 in rural Wisconsin to J. Erwin and Minnie Baker. He was the last of seven children. His love for learning took him from a one room schoolhouse, to the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire (Bachelor's degree), to Brown University (Masters Degree), to the University of Northern Colorado where he received his Doctorate. He served his country in the United States Air Force where he trained as a pilot. He taught High School at Clear Lake Iowa and junior college at Mason City, Iowa. He was Science and Math coordinator for the Fort Dodge Public School system. In 1987, Dad began teaching at Washburn University in Topeka Kansas with the Department of Education and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, where he stayed until his retirement.
Dad was a force of energy. His love of learning was matched by his love of Bluegrass music and its history. He loved photography. And genealogy. He loved hiking and nature and travelling America and beyond. But there was nothing, absolutely nothing that was more important to Dad than his family. He made sure we knew that and felt that every day. And we love him just as fiercely.
He married Millie Johnson, in 1953 and of all of the things Dad loved, he loved her the most of all. They had the best life together until Mom left us on April 13, 2013. And although our hearts are breaking that our Dad is no longer with us, we rejoice in the knowledge that they are at last together again.
Dad was also preceded in death by brothers, Oris, Willis, Daryl and James and sisters LeAnn and Eva.
Dad is survived by his children, Steve Baker, Kris (Robert) Palmer, and Karin Baker; grandchildren, CJ (Sarah) Wilson, Erin (Kevin) Kerley, Jill (Jordon) Ollis, and Kaitie Baker; great-grandchildren Kylie, Max, Kenadie and Maci; and sister-in-law Marylin Howard.
Visitation will be 6-7:30pm Monday, March 29, 2021 at Mount Hope Cemetery & Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW 17th St., Topeka. Graveside services will be 11am, Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Road, Topeka, KS, 66604 or Washburn University Foundation, School of Education (math and science department), 1729 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66604.
To share a memory of Lyle or to leave a message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dr. D. Baker, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Monday, March 29, 2021
6:00 - 7:30 pm (Central time)
Mount Hope Cemetery & Funeral Chapel
Graveside Service
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Mount Hope Cemetery & Funeral Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 5
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