Terry Baker

Terry Brew Baker, age 77, of Blue Rapids, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024, at his home in Blue Rapids.

Terry was born on January 21, 1947 in Marysville, KS to Betty Ruth (Jewell) Walsh and R.J. Baker. His dad was Wayne Talbot and his stepfather was Bob Walsh.   He graduated from Blue Rapids High School in 1965, then later joined the US Army, where he served in Korea.  On April 3, 1970, he married Mary Alice Yungeberg at the United Methodist Church in Blue Rapids.

Terry worked for many years at Stanley’s Hy-Klas grocery store in Blue Rapids. In 1978 he began working for Georgia Pacific in Blue Rapids and remained there until his retirement in 2010. While working at GP he held several positions in both the board and plaster plants but spent much of that time as the board plant knife operator. Terry was a member of the Blue Rapids United Methodist Church, the George Bedford American Legion Post 169 in Blue Rapids, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and had served on the Blue Rapids Volunteer Fire Department. He was very proud of being both a military veteran, and resident of his hometown Blue Rapids.

Terry was an avid Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and Kansas State fan. He and Mary Alice enjoyed attending Kansas State women’s basketball games and even had season tickets for several seasons. For many years you could find him at every 2A High School State Basketball Tournament game, with his brother-in-law Jerry Yungeberg. Whether the games were in Topeka, or later Manhattan, they would be there sitting in the front row. He loved to follow his kids and grandkids sporting activities whether it was cheerleading, football, basketball, or baseball.  You might say he loved sports. He also enjoyed hunting mushrooms, and reading western novels, with Louis L’Amour being his favorite author.

Survivors include his wife Mary Alice, a daughter Stacey (Jason) Whiting, a son Mark (Cara) Baker, four grandchildren: Brittani (Derrik) Russell, Tanner (Krystal) Whiting, Devin (Olivia) Argo, and Landen Brew Baker.

Preceding Terry in death are his parents: Betty Walsh, RJ Baker, Wayne Talbot and Bob Walsh.

A viewing will be held noon to 8:00 pm, Friday, February 23, 2024, with visitation between 6:00 and 8:00 pm, at Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville.

Funeral services are planned for 2 pm, Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Blue Rapids, with Pastor Berniece Ludlum officiating.  Music is to include recorded selections of “On Eagle’s Wings”, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” and “Mr. Lonely”.  The musician will be Althea Wertz.  Burial will be at Prospect Hill Cemetery, north of Blue Rapids.  Military Honors at the cemetery will be provided by an Honors Detail from the US Army and the George Bedford American Legion Post 169.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Terry Baker Memorial, which will be designated later, and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.

Christie- Anderes Funeral Home of Waterville, in charge of arrangements.