Alvin J. Baker

Alvin J. Baker, 81, died January 22, 2022, at Pratt Regional Medical Center. He was born November 19, 1940 in Colby, KS, the son of Newton Sr. and Esther J. (Colson) Baker.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Robert, Daniel, Edward and Sammy.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, two children: Jamal Carney and Rasha Didier and husband, Craig, of Pflugerville, TX and grandson, Cayman. Also surviving are two brothers: Newton Baker of Kinsley and Thomas Baker and wife, Phyllis, of Bessemer, AL, four sisters: Eva Marie Scherer of Wichita, KS, Joan Ford of Kinsley, KS, Theresa Cheeves of Hutchinson, KS and Mary Bowman and husband, Rick of Clay Center, KS. as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Alvin attended St. Nicholas Grade School and graduated from Kinsley High School. He served in the United States Army.

Alvin was a very skilled and sought after masonry contractor and bricklayer who built many of the structures in Western Kansas and beyond. In spite of many health challenges in his later years, he went forward with courage, determination and fortitude, strengthened by his faith in God. He still liked to be “in charge” whenever possible.

Family was important to him. He was an attentive father who loved to tell Rasha and Jamal stories, attend their school functions and take them fishing. He was also a caring big brother for his many siblings. He will be greatly missed.

Alvin loved to watch Westerns and was an avid collector of coins and old bottles. Classic cars were another passion.

Rosary will be at St. Bernard’s in Belpre at 7:30 p.m. on January 28, 2022 and funeral Mass will take place at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Kinsley at 10:30 a.m. January 29, 2022.

Memorials are suggested to St. Bernard’s or St. Nicholas, both in care of McKillip Memorial Funeral Home, Kinsley, KS.