Philip Baker

June 17, 1948 - January 4, 2022

Philip L. Baker, 73, passed away at home early Tuesday morning January 4, 2022. Phil was born June 17, 1948, in Springfield, Missouri, to LeRoy and Barbara Baker. He grew up in Springfield graduating from Hillcrest High School while attending Springfield Vocational Technical School. The summer following graduation Phil started college at Southwest Missouri State University where he met his future wife, Patricia Pendergrass. They were married May 24, 1969. After transferring to the University of Missouri at Rolla, Phil received a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and an MS degree in Engineering Management. Phil went to work for Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka, Kansas as an Industrial Engineer, moving to Cleburne, Texas, Chicago, Illinois, and back to Topeka during the 18 years that he worked there. During these years he and Pat had 3 children, Cherie, Clinton, and Craig. For the next 20 years, Phil owned and operated Clint’s Lawn Service. During that time, he started and directed a ministry at First Southern Baptist Church that was very dear to his heart called Celebrate Recovery. CR ministers to people with hurts, habits, and hang ups. In 2010, Phil suffered a massive stroke and retired from public life. Despite significant adversity, Phil enjoyed life and was always quick to smile. He still could play cards with his family and friends. He loved to watch the Chiefs, Royals and KU basketball. He was happiest when surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Phil is survived by his wife, Pat; children, Cherie Durst, Topeka, Clinton Baker (Jennifer), Indianapolis, Indiana, and Craig Baker (Kendra), Topeka; Cherie’s three boys, Erich, Jason, and Connor Durst; Clinton’s children, Carston and Courtney Baker; his siblings, Bill Baker, Kihei, Hawaii, David Baker, Springfield, and Cindy Baker, Springfield. Visitation will be 5 to 6 p.m. Monday, January 10th, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where funeral service will begin at 6 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Celebrate Recovery or to the Mission Center Cemetery Association, and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.