Gary B. Baker

On Thursday, November 14, 2019, Gary Bob Baker went to be with the Lord at the age of 64.

Gary was born in La Junta on November 4th, 1955 to Bobby and Verda (Thompson) Baker. He was married to Kathy (Lambrecht) Vail in 1976 and together they had four sons; Geoffrey Bob, Douglass Joseph, Bradley Andrew and Michael Lee. In 1998, Gary married Connie (Patton) and welcomed two more sons; David and Jason Sedarsky. Gary taught Sunday school, and served as an Elder and Treasurer at the church, with his wife Connie beside him every step of the way.

Gary loved God, his family and all things sports related and he cared a great deal about his community and the welfare of those around him.

He graduated with honors from Crowley County High School and was heavily involved in baseball and basketball, first as an athlete and later as a coach. In 1973, he was recognized as the Colorado Player of the Year in Class 2A basketball and accepted an athletic scholarship to Northeastern Jr. College (Sterling, CO). From there he transferred to Adams State College (Alamosa, CO) and went on to earn All-Conference honors in 1976.

Gary attended the School of Banking at the University of Colorado and completed his graduate studies in 1997. He enjoyed his banking career, especially as it afforded him the opportunity to get to know so many people and share in their aspirations. He had the good fortune to work with a number of banks over the years and formed connections with people all over Colorado.
Gary appreciated the power of competition and sportsmanship to challenge ourselves and to respect one another; to pull together, as a team, and as a community. His success as a coach, both on and off the field, left its mark on several generations of young men and women.

In 1990, Gary led the Fowler Grizzlies to a Baseball State Championship. In 1994, he was recognized as the Colorado 1A-2A Coach of the Year. He also led the Crowley County Chargers Baseball team to State Championships in 1994 and again in 2000.
Gary coached basketball as well, and helped as the assistant coach for the 1992/1993 Crowley County girls’ basketball team. Recently, after a long hiatus from coaching, he was asked to take over as head coach for the Crowley County boys’ basketball team.

Gary had a gift for seeing and expecting the best from people and a sense and enthusiasm for what we are all capable of. He was a friend, a husband, a father, a devoted son and much more to many people and he will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; his parents, Bobby and Verda Baker; brother, Dale (Merrilee); sister, Pamela; four sons, Geoffrey, Douglass, Bradley, & Michael and their mother, Kathy Vail; two step-sons, David & Jason Sedarsky; two nieces, Jennifer Morgan & Steffani Baker; two nephews, Andrew & Micah Rodgers; three nephews and nieces -in-law, Sariah Berg, Nathaniel Baca, & Amy Justman and 27 grandchildren and great-nephews and nieces.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Crowley County Gymnasium with Reverend Jeremy Hoyt of the Community Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will be held at the Gymnasium from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Olney Springs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Crowley County School District, Athletic Fund, 1001 Main Street, Ordway, CO, 81063 or to the Crowley Community Baptist Church, 319 1st Street, Crowley, CO, 81033, direct or through the funeral home.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.