Raymond Eugene “Mike” Baker

Oct 4, 2024 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2023, Obituaries 2024, Uncategorized | 1 comment

Raymond Eugene “Mike” Baker

September 24, 1947 – September 27, 2024

Mike passed away on September 27th surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 48 years, Carol, and their children, Ashley Baker Taylor (William) and Brooke Baker Robertson (Sean); beloved grandchildren Ophelia Taylor, Baker, Ridge, and Remington Robertson; his sister Joan Baker Andrews; and his niece Sarah Rypma (Robert) and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Helen.

Mike was born in St. Louis, MO, and raised in Brookfield, MO. He graduated from Westminster University in 1969 with a degree in political science. He met Carol through mutual friends from Baker University where Carol and his sister Joan graduated. They were married on October 16, 1976. They moved to Brookfield, MO where Mike acted as CEO/President for Pepsi Cola Bottling of Brookfield (Chillicothe) for 52 years, which he took over after the passing of the original owner, his father, Raymond Baker. Mike and Carol moved to Leawood, KS in 1988 with their two daughters. Together they raised their family in Leawood, where they made countless memories and many dear friends. Mike adored his daughters, Ashley and Brooke, and loved watching them dance, cheer, and perform on stage and in sports. He was extremely proud of the women they became and how their careers and families blossomed. Mike embraced a new kind of love as he met and spent time with his four grandchildren. Some of his fondest memories were with the little ones who called him Pops.

Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Mizzou Tigers, and KU Jayhawks, playing golf & dining with those close to him. He also loved to travel, taking trips centered around golf, history and culture, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper and Wis-Pak, going to Mexico, and most recently annual family vacations to Florida’s 30A with his grandchildren & indulging in his favorite Key Lime Pie.

Mike used his leadership skills to grow the small bottling operation serving North Central Missouri and expanded and diversified it to become a multi-operational soft drink bottling, canning, distribution, vending, and sales organization serving four states. It, along with its related companies, comprises the 11^th largest independent bottling organization in the United States today.

Mike was on the Board of Directors and served as Chairman of the Board for LinPepCo, Chairman of the Board for Pepsi Cola Bottlers Association, Board of Directors for Wis-Pak / WP Beverages, was a founding member and served on the Board of Directors of the Independent Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Association. Mike’s remarkable leadership skills have been recognized as he was elected President of the Missouri Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Association, President of the Missouri Soft Drink Association, and Chairman of the Board of the Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Association of the USA. During his life, Mike was recognized for inclusion in Who’s Who in Missouri, Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, Who’s Who in American Politics, and previously, Outstanding Young Men of America. Throughout his adult life, Mike was a strong civic leader who was active in his community. He served on the Board of Directors of the Brookfield Presbyterian Church, as well as the Board of Directors of Ellis Fischel Hospital in Columbia Missouri, and Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield, Missouri, and the Board of Directors for UMB Bank. He is a past President of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce and the Brookfield Rotary Club, and was active in the Sigma Chi Fraternity Alumni Organization & Westminster Alumni Association, and received the Westminster College Board of Trustees Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award. Mike continued work with Pepsi Chillicothe, Midwest Vending, LinPepCo & Wis-Pak / WP Beverages until his passing.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday October 9, 2024, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in the Wesley Covenant Chapel, in Leawood, KS with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am. The service can be viewed over a livestream at http://cor.org/memorialsonline. A reception to celebrate Mike’s life will be held at Loch Lloyd Country Club immediately following the service. Donations in Mike’s honor may be made to the American Heart Association, or the Westminster College Fund 501 Westminster Avenue Fulton, MO 65251

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Bob Andrews

2 years ago

I will remember Mike Baker as someone who enjoyed life. He was a business person, a family person, and had passions for golf and travel. Mike was also a generous person. When it came to golf, Mike treated many, including yours truly, to golf and lunch at his country club Loch Lloyd.

As a partial exchange for his great hospitality at the club, Mike was given a standing invitation to participate in the annual Alumni Touch Football game. And, he did participate.

After the games, pitchers of beer and pizza were served at Kelly’s Tavern in Westport. There was always camaraderie to be found at Kelly’s among Mike and our mutual friends. And, although there is no charge for the bad jokes told by the bartender, the bartender still expects a tip for his service of beer.

I know that Mike struggled with health issues for some time. It has also been a difficult time for his family and friends. God bless.

Bob Andrews

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Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

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Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

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Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

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Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

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