Charles Baker

Charles S. (Sylvanus) Baker, of Rogersville, Missouri, formerly of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away on March 30, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri, at the remarkable age of 97.

He was born on October 12, 1927 in Cullman, Alabama, the son of Clyde and Sarah Self Baker, and was raised in Cullman until the age of 9 when his family moved to Kennett, Missouri. He graduated from Kennett High School in 1946, having served as Captain of the football team in his senior year. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served from 1946-1948. He was Honorably Discharged and classified as a World War II Era Veteran. For the next several years, Charlie worked at several different jobs in the southeast Missouri area before embarking on a career with the U.S. Government in 1968 as a Budget Analyst. He retired from his government position in 1989 and moved to Arkansas in 1990. He was a member of the Gideon’s International for 67 years and was an ordained deacon, serving in several Southern Baptist churches in Missouri, Nebraska, Illinois, and Arkansas, beginning in 1960.

Charlie married Mary Christine Butler on January 13, 1950 in Kennett, Missouri. They were married for over 58 years before Mary passed away in August of 2008. They were blessed with and survived by three children; son, C. Steven (Linda) Baker of Rogersville, MO, and two daughters, Cathy (Tommy) Nuckols of Montgomery, TX, and Sarah (Gary) Gann of Pace, FL. Charlie is survived by seven grandchildren; Tom (Michelle) Baker, David (Tori) Baker, Jeff (Kristen) Nuckols, Adam (Lacy) Nuckols, Michelle (Timmy) Blaylock, Julie (Scott) Harris, and Jared (Carrie) Gann. He is also survived by his brother, Tilford, who lives in Springfield, MO; 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Terrell, Warren, Roy, and Coy.

A Funeral Service will be held on April 5, 2025 with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Burial will be at Kennett Memorial Gardens in Kennett, Missouri. Donations may be made to the Gideon’s International or Seasons Hospice in Springfield, Missouri, rather than flowers.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services in Mountain Home, Arkansas. An online guestbook and obituary can be accessed at www.kirbyandfamily.com.