Kennith R. Baker passed away in Gainesville, Florida on March 13, 2010 after a courageous and lengthy battle with illness. Kennith was born in Hurley, Virginia on May 10, 1943. The youngest of fourteen children, he was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Colleen H. Baker and two daughters Sheila Lucas (Michael) of Gainesville and Shirley Roberts (Jonathan) of Middleburg. Two sisters Hettie Crumpler (J.T.), Beulah Ledlow of Tucson, Arizona; two brothers, William Baker of Edgewater, Florida and Donald Baker of Plainfield, Illinois; sisters-in-law Anna Nelson (Bob), Linda Norman (Dan) of Green Cove Springs, Florida, Shelva Jean Dotson of Phelps, Kentucky and Trula Puckett (“Tootâ) of Circleville, Ohio also survive. Kennith held a special place in the hearts of the many nephews and nieces who dearly loved ‘The Unk’.
A veteran of the US Army, Kennith served during the Vietnam era. He worked for almost 30 years as millwright in the Arizona copper mining industry. His home was a gathering place for family and friends through out the years. He will be remembered for his love of family and country, his generous nature and unwavering strength.
Funeral Services will be held Friday March 19, 2010 at Russell Baptist Church with burial to follow in Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 5-7:00 pm Thursday at the funeral home.
“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than anything I have ever done; it is a far, far, better rest that I go to, than I have ever knownâ – Charles Dickens
Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery and Funeral Home, 2315 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904-284-7720). www.RHRCemeteryandFuneralHome.com