Kenneth Dean Baker Sr

Kenneth Dean Baker Sr., captain U.S. Navy (retired) of Bonner County, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2016, with his wife, Helen Williams Baker by his side.

Ken Baker was born in Wieppe, Idaho, on May 20, 1936, to Elmer Baker and Opal Sackett Baker. While growing up, Ken lived and worked on the family farm in Wieppe. He attended school locally, graduating from Wieppe High School in 1954. He attended University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, graduating in 1959 with a degree in psychology.

Ken enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was commissioned as an ensign in 1960. While in the Navy, Ken served two sea tours on ships deployed to Vietnam during that war. He served aboard the USS Thomaston, USS Ranger and the USS America. The Navy sent Ken to Cornell University from 1975-1977 to earn his Master in Business Administration. He served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years, retiring in 1984. Following his service in the Navy, Ken worked for several defense contractors in Virginia, other states and overseas.

Ken met his wife, Helen, in 1993 in Norfolk, Va. They moved to Sandpoint in 1998.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; four sons, Kenneth Baker Jr. (Anne) of Virginia, Kyle Baker (Janet) of North Carolina, Kurt Baker of Virginia, and Korey Baker of Georgia (Tina); a daughter, Kimmerly Baker of Virginia, a stepdaughter, Sandra Williams-Dick of Idaho; and five grandchildren, Ryan Baker (Caitlin), Carrie Baker, Jack Baker, Anna Baker, and Megan Baker of England.

A gathering service will be held on Aug. 6, 2016, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at a location to be announced later.

Family and friends are invited to sign Kenneth’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.