Thomas C. Baker, Jr.

May 1, 2025 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2025 | 1 comment

Thomas C. Baker, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by family.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Tom was the son of Gloria (Cunningham) Baker and Thomas Baker. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gloria Leahy; brothers, William and Robert Baker; and his first wife, Lois Moran Baker. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Blottman, and his and Lois’s four children: Tom (Beth) Baker of Greensboro, NC; Peggy (John) Truss of Jacksonville, FL; Kathy (Tony) Rohr of Mission Hills, KS; and Dan (Kim) Baker of Winnetka, IL. Tom was cherished by 16 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Tom graduated from McBride High School in 1945 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17. After his service, he earned a degree in electrical engineering from Saint Louis University in 1952, followed later by an MBA. He spent 38 years with Southwestern Bell, first in St. Louis and then in Kansas City, where he and Lois moved in 1969 and made their permanent home.

Tom and Lois were married on June 9, 1951, beginning 60 years of marriage marked by laughter, faith, and deep family devotion. They raised their children in south Kansas City and were devoted members of St. Thomas More Parish. Tom was active in the community, serving as a coach, Eucharistic Minister, and School Board President. His professional contributions included serving as President of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers, Regional VP of the National Society of Professional Engineers, a board member at St. Joseph Hospital, and a Commissioner on the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority. In a memorable moment, he caught the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day for the Kansas City Royals in 1995.

Tom’s interests included cheering for the Royals and Chiefs, playing golf and cards, and spending time with friends—but his greatest joy was his family. A beach trip tradition begun in 1986 grew from 8 to over 30 family members and continues today as part of his and Lois’ lasting legacy.

In 2014, Tom found love again with Dorothy. Her warmth and humor enriched his later years, bringing joy and companionship that uplifted everyone around them.

Tom’s presence, humor, and generosity will be deeply missed. For those privileged to call him husband, dad, Pop, grandpa, or friend, we are forever grateful for the years we had with him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas More Catholic Church or Kansas City Hospice (9001 State Line Rd, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64114).

Visitation: Friday, May 9, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM
Location: St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO

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Kathy McDonald Walker

1 year ago

We had the honor of having Tom, Lois, and all of the kids as a part of our lives growing up. We were always excited to be with Tom and enjoy his evanescent sense of humor, as well as his words of wisdom being like another dad to us.
Rest easy Tom and feel the love.

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