Raymond "Mike" Baker

1947 - 2024

Raymond "Mike" Baker

September 24, 1947 - September 27, 2024

Leawood, Kansas - Raymond "Mike" Baker September 24, 1947 – September 27, 2024

Mike passed away on September 27th surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 48 years, Carol, and their children, Ashley Baker Taylor (William) and Brooke Baker Robertson (Sean); beloved grandchildren Ophelia Taylor, Baker, Ridge, and Remington Robertson; his sister Joan Baker Andrews; and his niece Sarah Rypma (Robert) and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Helen.

Mike was born in St. Louis, MO, and raised in Brookfield, MO. He graduated from Westminster University in 1969 with a degree in political science. He met Carol through mutual friends from Baker University where Carol and his sister Joan graduated. They were married on October 16, 1976. They moved to Brookfield, MO where Mike acted as CEO/President for Pepsi Cola Bottling of Brookfield (Chillicothe) for 52 years, which he took over after the passing of the original owner, his father, Raymond Baker. Mike and Carol moved to Leawood, KS in 1988 with their two daughters. Together they raised their family in Leawood, where they made countless memories and many dear friends. Mike adored his daughters, Ashley and Brooke, and loved watching them dance, cheer, and perform on stage and in sports. He was extremely proud of the women they became and how their careers and families blossomed. Mike embraced a new kind of love as he met and spent time with his four grandchildren. Some of his fondest memories were with the little ones who called him Pops.

Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Mizzou Tigers, and KU Jayhawks, playing golf & dining with those close to him. He also loved to travel, taking trips centered around golf, history and culture, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper and Wis-Pak, going to Mexico, and most recently annual family vacations to Florida's 30A with his grandchildren & indulging in his favorite Key Lime Pie.

Mike used his leadership skills to grow the small bottling operation serving North Central Missouri and expanded and diversified it to become a multi-operational soft drink bottling, canning, distribution, vending, and sales organization serving four states. It, along with its related companies, comprises the 11th largest independent bottling organization in the United States today.

Mike was on the Board of Directors and served as Chairman of the Board for LinPepCo, Chairman of the Board for Pepsi Cola Bottlers Association, Board of Directors for Wis-Pak / WP Beverages, was a founding member and served on the Board of Directors of the Independent Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Association. Mike's remarkable leadership skills have been recognized as he was elected President of the Missouri Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Association, President of the Missouri Soft Drink Association, and Chairman of the Board of the Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Association of the USA. During his life, Mike was recognized for inclusion in Who's Who in Missouri, Who's Who in Finance and Industry, Who's Who in American Politics, and previously, Outstanding Young Men of America. Throughout his adult life, Mike was a strong civic leader who was active in his community. He served on the Board of Directors of the Brookfield Presbyterian Church, as well as the Board of Directors of Ellis Fischel Hospital in Columbia Missouri, and Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield, Missouri, and the Board of Directors for UMB Bank. He is a past President of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce and the Brookfield Rotary Club, and was active in the Sigma Chi Fraternity Alumni Organization & Westminster Alumni Association, and received the Westminster College Board of Trustees Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award. Mike continued work with Pepsi Chillicothe, Midwest Vending, LinPepCo & Wis-Pak / WP Beverages until his passing.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in the Wesley Covenant Chapel, 13720 Roe Leawood, KS with a funeral to follow at 11:00 am. A reception to celebrate Mike's life will be held at Loch Lloyd Country Club immediately following the service. Donations in Mike's honor may be made to the American Heart Association, or the Westminster College Fund 501 Westminster Avenue Fulton, MO 65251 Arr: Signature Funerals 816-214-5174