CRAIG WILLIAM BAKER
Craig William Baker, son of Carroll and Leann (Porter) Baker, was born May 15,1955, in Creston, Iowa. Craig grew up in Taylor County and graduated from Clearfield High School in 1973.
On March 28, 1976, Craig was united in marriage to Markeeta Jeanne Beggs and to this union three children were born: Matthew Craig, Marcy Leigh and Brent William.
At an early age, Craig was drawn to the land and farming, it was a call to stewardship that he not only answered but embraced. It pleased him to see a healthy herd of calves or the even green rows of crops that stretched into the sunset on his farm. Morning planning sessions at Leann’s table, and days spent shoulder to shoulder with Carroll on the farm, simply enhanced his life’s mission. Craig was for the most part a quiet and easygoing person and when something was truly important it would warrant a “post-it” note filed in the kitchen cupboard.
But Craig’s real love was family, his wife of 42 years, “Keeta”, traveled with him and the rest of the crew that included children, their spouses and best of all the grandchildren. No activity was too small or unimportant for their attendance. Vacations and ball games were favorites and led “Papa” to tell them about his numerous Olympic medals in multiple events. In turn the youngsters awarded him a blue T-shirt that read: The Man, The Myth, The Legend! A family favorite was trips to the Ozarks for family boating adventures. Presents were easy to buy for Craig, any blue plaid shirt in his size.
While a trip to the Lenox bowling league was a favorite pastime, Craig was involved in community affairs as well. He was a member and trustee at The Clearfield United Methodist Church, a Clearfield school board member and served on the Farm Service Agency committee. His hard work, loyalty and dedication to making the community a better place, left him with lifelong friends.
Craig passed away December 8, 2018, at the age of 63. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Ralph and Anna Porter and Rosa and Ernest Baker; father and mother-in-law; Roy and Norma Beggs.
Those who will forever cherish the memory of this man so fondly called “Papa” include his wife Markeeta of Clearfield; children Matt (Amy) Baker of Kansas City, MO: Marcy Baker and Nathan Johnston of Urbandale, IA; Brent (Jodie) Baker of Grundy Center, IA; five grandchildren: Zane, Mason, and Bryce Baker, Samantha and Madison Glass; parents; Carroll and Leann Baker of Clearfield, IA; sister Sherri (Dennis) Doggett of Seymour, IA; sister-in-law Reeta (Gordy) England; brothers-in-law Greg Beggs, Jeff Beggs and Jack (Kim) Beggs; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided. A private burial will be held at a later date. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at www.armstrongfh.com.
Visitation celebrating Craig’s life was Wednesday, December 12, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Clearfield, Iowa.
Reflections and prayer by Rev. Tim Maxa was Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Clearfield, Iowa.
