Fred Eugene Baker

With saddened hearts, we announce the passing of Fred Baker of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Fred passed away peacefully at Sparrow Hospice House on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023, at the age of 82. During the last few days of his life, Fred happily enjoyed spending meaningful time with family and close friends and eagerly watched as the Detroit Lions won the North Division title.

Fred was born in May of 1941 in Lowell Michigan to Ernest and Jacqueline Baker. Fred was raised in Lansing and went to Valley Farms Baptist Church while growing up. After attending Eastern High School, Fred joined the army in September of 1959 and was sent overseas and stationed in Germany, at the Russian border. He was honorably discharged in 1962.

Fred spent his career on various journeys from working at Oldsmobile, to owning a bar in Florida, to truck driving all over the United States. After retiring as a self-employed painter, Fred spent years developing a lifesaving firehose containing air lines. He was granted patents in 2003 and 2005 and worked with many fire chiefs, firefighters and firehose manufacturers across the U.S. to develop and test it further. Unfortunately, he was never able to see this invention come to the lifesaving fruition he passionately dreamt of.

Fred was a happy-go-lucky guy and enjoyed many hobbies. He loved nature and being around water and enjoyed traveling, sight-seeing, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, fishing, and hunting. His two favorite places during his travels were Hawaii and Jamaica and he even jumped off a 30’ waterfall in Hawaii. He enjoyed watching nature and animal documentaries, classic Westerns, all types of sports and was especially partial to the Kansas City Chiefs. He prided himself in cooking good meals at home but also enjoyed dining out. Seafood, steak, roasts and chili were among his favorites. He liked playing pool and loved playing poker. He made a lot of friends over the years playing poker at different venues. Fred was very grateful that some of these friendships remained close even after his card playing had to slow down due to health restraints. He very much enjoyed spending time with his best friend, Carol, his kids, close friends and neighbors.

Fred leaves behind ex-wives: Maryanne Zimmerman, and Coralee Baker; former wife and best friend: Carol Baker; four children: Nancy (Phil) Lawrence, Ken Baker, Teresa (Jim) Yoder, and Jennica Janke (Rob Telesz); three grandchildren: Ashley (Alex) Stewart, Meghan Lawrence, and Jimmy Yoder; three brothers: Ernie, Steve, and Bruce Baker; and close friends Brian, Justin, and Rocky.

Fred is already sorely missed and will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Per Fred’s request, no funeral or memorial services will be held. He will be cremated, and a private celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Special thanks to the helpful friends/neighbors at Kiwanis Springbrook Manor in Eaton Rapids,

Fresenius Kidney Care in Lansing, Loving Hands Agency in Eaton Rapids, Tri County Office on Aging, and the care team at Sparrow Hospice House, especially nurse Tammy.