Gilbert O. Baker, Sr.

Gilbert O. Baker, Sr., 76, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2008 at a Topeka hosptial. He was born on February 5, 1932 in Lawrence, the son of Oscar and Beulah Taylor Baker. He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in Lawrence. Gilbert was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. He lived in Lawrence and moved to Topeka in 1966 where he had resided since. He was employed as a System Dispatcher Shift Supervisor for K.P.L. for 37 years before retiring on April 30, 1992. He was a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church, North Topeka Post No. 400 of the American Legion, the Flint Hills Bass Association and played fast pitch softball for many years. Gilbert married Betty Lou Davis on December 31, 1954 in Lawrence. She preceded him in death on April 15, 2006. Survivors include one daughter, Joan E. Heckel and husband, Mark of Topeka, two sons, Gilbert O. Baker, Jr. of Topeka, Michael Baker and wife, Bobbi of Wichita, sixteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one sister, Patricia Brewster of Hoyt and two brothers, Herb Baker of Wisconsin and James Baker of Texas. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Highland Park United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Gilbert will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Monday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Highland Park United Methodist Church, 2914 S.E. Michigan Ave., Topeka, KS 66605 or to the organization of the donor's choice.