Myerl Owen Baker

With heartfelt love and gratitude for a life well-lived, the family of Myerl Owen Baker announces his peaceful passing on July 23, 2025, at the age of 93.

Born in Graham, Texas, and raised in Hazard, Kentucky, Myerl was the beloved son of the late Rev. Daniel N. and Orgie Baker. He was a proud American and a decorated Korean War veteran, who carried his strong work ethic, deep sense of duty, and unwavering loyalty into every facet of his life.

Myerl was married for 63 wonderful years to the love of his life, the late Deanna Lee Baker. Together they built a home grounded in faith, laughter, adventure, and love. They raised four children: Grace (James) Johnson, Victoria Lee Cappetto, Laurie Baker, and Buddie E. Baker. He was a loving grandfather to the late John J. Bird, Sherry (Beau) O'Connor, Jennifer Lee (Jason) Tomlinson, and Janelle (Jason Owen) Oldmixon; a cherished great-grandfather to Keegan Sandlin, Raven Tomlinson, Gage Bird, Jake Tomlinson, Joseph Sandlin, Destiny Oldmixon, Ashley Tomlinson, Forest Oldmixon, Hunter O'Connor, Jonathan O'Connor, and Adrianna O'Connor; and a proud great-great-grandfather to 10 beautiful great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Grace Martin, John Baker, Elihue Baker, Vinia Coombs, and Frank Baker, and is survived by his brother Bart Baker.

From a young age, Myerl worked as a coal miner, following the tradition of many in his family. He later wore many hats-salesman, deputy sheriff, protector, and provider. He sold Kirby vacuums for over 15 years, proudly supporting his family, and even worked as a deputy sheriff in Kentucky, patrolling the boat docks and helping dismantle a ring of boat battery thieves. Never one to sit still, Myerl "retired" three or four times, but always found his way back to work. His hands were never idle, and his heart was always full.

Myerl's love for hunting, fishing, camping, and waterskiing brought endless joy to his family and created treasured memories that spanned generations. He especially cherished the early years spent camping with his children and the peaceful days aboard his houseboat in Kentucky. Myerl's life was marked by deep compassion and unwavering devotion-he once drove all the way from Romulus to Graham, Texas, simply to take his sister to a doctor's appointment, and he lovingly cared for his aging parents with great tenderness and respect. And when the family gathered around the table, there was no denying his competitive spirit-he proudly held the title of UNO! champion, defending his crown with wit, laughter, and a mischievous smile.

To his children and grandchildren, Myerl was the best dad and grandpa in the whole world. A man of quiet strength, he was fiercely loyal, deeply generous, and unwavering in his commitment to his family. But his care extended beyond his home-he was a pillar in his church and his community, always ready to lend a hand to friends, neighbors, and his church family alike. His legacy is one of sacrifice, love, service, and a life devoted to others.

Though our hearts grieve, we find comfort in knowing that Myerl is reunited with his beloved Deanna and the many loved ones who have gone before. His memory will forever be a guiding light and a source of strength to all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Solosy Funeral Home in Lincoln Park. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 28 at 3:00 PM at Every Generation Church in Lincoln Park, followed by burial at Riverside Cemetery in Hazard, Kentucky, where Myerl will be laid to rest with honors.