Carl Fred Baker

Carl Fred Baker—known by many in his youth and close family as Fred; as Carl by many others; and as Dad and Grandpa—passed away peacefully at his home on March 3, 2026. He was surrounded by his family who loved him very much. Carl was 90, and bearing down on 91. He was born on May 18, 1935 to Charles “Charlie” and Harriett Baker in London, Laurel County, Kentucky. Carl was one of 13 children—11 of whom survived early childhood. He was a proud Kentuckian whose upbringing shaped who he was throughout his life.

In 1954, Carl proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country faithfully for four years. Following his honorable discharge, Carl attended Eastern Kentucky University. While he was proud of and supported EKU and the Colonels, he bled the deep blue of the Kentucky Wildcats. He closely followed the Cats into the last week of his life and cared deeply about their success, or lack thereof, on various fields of play.

Carl served the Insurance Company of North America (and its later iterations) for 35 years. Carl’s service with INA took him and his family to Ohio, Kentucky, Florida, and ultimately to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. He retired in 1997.

He loved golf. He played well into his mid-80s and was good at it. But even more, he enjoyed being out on the course with his friends, his sons, and his grandsons. Carl also enjoyed card games with family. There were many long nights of Rook in Kentucky where he often smiled and laughed late into the evening. He also loved going to his Sunday school, Wednesday afternoon men’s Bible study, and his Saturday morning men’s prayer breakfast until his failing health kept him at home.

Carl continued to grow through life. Becoming a grandfather transformed him into a softer, gentler version of himself. And he grew more deeply in his faith. Both were beautiful to watch. He was a voracious reader of the Bible, history, Westerns, suspense—and anything else he could get his hands on. Keeping him in supply of fresh books was a challenge that his son-in-law Tom, himself a prolific reader, greatly helped. He was frugal and could drive a hard bargain. We feel deeply for the car salesmen who were assigned Carl as a customer!

Carl will be lovingly remembered by his devoted and beloved wife, Cherie Baker; his sons, Steven Baker and wife Melinda, and Scott Baker and wife Anna; his daughter, Carla Kunkle and husband Tom; his cherished grandchildren, Dalton Baker, Kamryn Stookey and husband Zavery, Joseph Baker, and Cecilia Baker; and his sister, Rhoda Ruth Ralston and husband Elwood. There are many nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Fred.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Charles "Charlie" and Harriett and his siblings Carson Edward Baker, James Elisha Baker, William Elbert Baker, Raymond Coy Baker, Aubury Baker, John Curtis Baker, Mable Loraine Boggs, Elizabeth Louise Whitaker, Hazel May Garletz, Everett Wayne Baker, and Charles David Baker.

Carl’s mind and wit were sharp to the very end. He knew his time was near, he was ready, and he had faith and confidence that he was going to be with his Father in Heaven. He was content that he had lived a full life and he died with dignity and grace.

Fred, Carl, Dad, Grandpa—we’ll miss you very much.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Homeless Rescue Services