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. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. Charles Burton Baker
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. -Shannon Brush and Family (Kristi's piano student)
Shannon Brush
March 3, 2013
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May God's love comfort and strengthen your family during this difficult time. John 16:22
March 3, 2013
The Topeka Symphony was fortunate to have Charles for the time we did. He is truly missed. Molly
March 3, 2013
God's Peace Be With You....
Connie
March 2, 2013
I can still see him with the Dairy Queen paper hat on. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
March 1, 2013
Our hearts are saddened by this loss. May Saturday truly be a celebration of the life of a wonderful, caring man.
Kelly S
March 1, 2013
Marcie Davidson
March 1, 2013
I am very sorry to hear of Charles passing. I worked with him when I worked at the Topeka Performing Arts Center and Charles was at the TSO.
Blair Adams
March 1, 2013
Mr.Baker was a great man. He will never be forgotten.
Adam Guthrie
March 1, 2013
Kristi, I was so very sad to hear of Charlie's fight against brain cancer and his passing. Know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. We must defeat this terrible disease. God Bless
Susan Rathert-Todd
March 1, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Baker family as we celebrate the life of Charlie. He was a wonderful man, husband, father, father-in-law, brother, uncle, teacher and friend. We treasure the memories of time spent together. With our love, Ken and Martha
Ken and Martha McCall
March 1, 2013
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