Name of Deceased: John Baker
Date of Death: June 2, 2013
Place of Death: Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend, Kansas
Date of Birth: September 11, 1927 at Wichita, Kansas
Parents Name: Oscar & Lottie (Frasier) Baker
OBITUARY INFORMATION
He was a graduate of El Dorado High School and earned an Associate’s Degree from Butler Community College. He later pursued and obtained a Bachelor and Master’s Degree from Fort Hays State University
He married Marlene Asbury August 11, 1955 at Tulsa, Oklahoma. They later divorced and he married Dolores P. White Runquist May 24, 1997 at Great Bend, Kansas.
He was a high school and college athletic coach, starting his career in St. John, KS where he coached various sports. He then continued his coaching career at Shawnee Mission West, Baker University, and Pershing College, where he served as the athletic director, coached basketball, and initiated the soccer program. He later was associated with the Development Office of the Martin Luther Home, Beatrice, Nebraska, and then was appointed as the Director of the Madonna Foundation, Lincoln, Nebraska. He retired as the Alumni Endowment Director at Oklahoma City University in 1980.
He was a United States Navy veteran, serving during World War II.
He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge #1127, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3111, and American Legion Argonne Post 180, and former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles all of Great Bend.
SURVIVORS
Wife: Dolores P. Baker, of the home
Two Sons: Tony Baker and his wife Kathleen of Lawrence, KS; and Mike Baker and his wife Chris of Overland Park, KS
Nine Grandchildren: , Corey Baker, Trevor Baker, Anthony Baker, Luke Baker, Jordan Baker, Nicholas Baker, Anna Runquist, Ryan Runquist, and Parker Runquist
Two Great-grandchildren: Isabelle Baker and Benjamin Baker
Three Step Sons: Randy Runquist of Lubbock, TX; Eric Runquist and wife Steffen of Minneapolis, MN; and Shane Runquist of Boston, MA
SERVICE INFORMATION
Funeral Service: Saturday, June 8, 2013
Time of Service: 11:00 a.m.
Place of Service: Bryant Funeral Home with military rites by United States Navy Honor Guard
Officiant: Pastor Lynn Schlosser
Visitation: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, June 7, 2013 at Bryant Funeral Home
Memorial Fund: American Legion Youth Baseball or Kans for Kids, in care of Bryant Funeral Home
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530