Kenneth Baker

Kenneth Ray Baker passed away on December 12, 2025, at the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a resident of Russellville, Arkansas.

Ken was many things: first and foremost, he was a Christian and active member of First Baptist Church in Russellville. Ken's faith was always the center point of his life. He and Margaret (Maggie) met, fell in love, and were married in Lake Charles, La., 42 years ago. At that time, he became a father to Margaret's two beautiful girls, Lori (Chance) Sayger and Lisa (Chance) Sayger. Ken's family was always his most prized possession here on earth.

After completing high school, Ken attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., and graduated with a master's degree. He plied his trade in the areas of Human Resources and later became Administrator of hospitals in Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi over his work career. After moving around for years, Ken and Margaret chose to retire and live out their lives in Russellville, Ark.

Beyond that, Ken was always a dedicated member of the society in which he lived. In Russellville he was an active member of the Kiwanis Club and supported numerous projects within the community. He was most proud of his service in the U.S. Navy during the height of the Vietnam War. As it turned out, Ken was assigned to a non-combat area. But any time a person who serves signs on that dotted line there is a full commitment, and their country can require their service anywhere, under any circumstances needed for the full term of their service. Ken was fully committed and voluntarily joined the Navy at that time.

Ken was born and raised in Gueydan, La., by his parents Henry Monroe Baker and Shirley Ashurst who are deceased. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Maggie Baker, daughters Lori and husband Steve Sayger, and Lisa and husband Rev. Rick Sayger, sister Bonnie and husband Don Laughlin, as well as 15 grandchildren and spouses, 24 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ken was blessed with a large, loving family.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church. Bro. Greg Sykes, Bro. Keith Shipley, and Bro. Rick Sayger will officiate. A private committal service will be held at the new Chapel of Light at the J. Herman Humphrey Dignity Cremation Center by Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will the service on Saturday at the church.

Memorials may be made to Russellville First Baptist Church School Scholarship Fund.

Internet obituary and online guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.