Ken Baker passed away on March 15, 2016, in Longview, Tx. Born at home in the Liberty City area on July 26th, 1940, to parents Hugh Lee Baker and Hettie Faulkner Baker, he spent most of his life in the Liberty City and Kilgore area.

He graduated from Kilgore High School in May of 1958 and later from Stephen F. Austin State University in May 1962 where he received a Business Administration degree. Ken served in the United States Air Force reserves from 1962 to 1968. He worked for General Electric in Tyler for 12 years as a Personnel Specialist. Later, he worked as the Human Resource/ Administration Manager at the Southland Distribution Center in Tyler for 12 years.

One of the things Ken spoke of often and was proud of was that he played baseball in the inaugural season of the Little League in Kilgore. That first season was played at historic Driller Park. Often told the story of striking out 15 batters in one game and not sure if it was the same season or not, they came up one run short of winning the state title game that would have sent them to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Ken enjoyed playing softball, volleyball and basketball in his early adult years and later in life, following his kids and then grandkids participating in youth sports and high school sports and then even the ones who competed at the college level. A lot of dedicated miles were driven to follow his family's ballgames, and he wouldn't have had it any other way. That’s how much he loved it.

Even after all kids and grandkids were done with their playing years, Ken could still be found at just about every Sabine High School and Middle School sporting event during the school year and little league fields during the summer until his health didn't allow him to attend. By the end of any school year or summer, pretty much everyone in the stands knew him and befriended him.

Another passion Ken had was working in his yard and garden. He grew some of the best tasting tomatoes around and a lot of people could attest to that.

Ken's family will receive friends Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore from 4:00 until 5:30 pm.