Charles Bayard Baker

Charles Bayard Baker died of pancreatic cancer on December 6, 2018 in Rochester, Washington. He was born October 5, 1963 to Henry Phalion Baker and Demetra Baker Shanks in Hayti, Missouri. He was known as Chuck or Charlie to family and friends. Chuck married Kimberly Carol Steele on October 1992 in Idaho. He took on her three children and loved them as his own. He cherished his daughters, Stephany Baker, Beth Hayes, and Megan Guenard and Kaydee Baker Straub; and sons, Scott Hayes, Benny Baker, and Charles Andrew Baker, all of Olympia. He also had 14 grandchildren, who he adored. He is survived by his mother; brothers, Brett Baker (Jen) of Texas, and Bart Baker of Rochester, Washington; sisters, Kimberly Baker Dassow and Sheila Baker Clark, both of Rochester; and numerous nieces and nephews who meant the world to him. Chuck was preceded in death by his father; and brother, Fabian Baker. He worked as a cook in many restaurants in Olympia; he is best known for working at Cattins in Tumwater. He also was a mechanic. Chuck enjoyed bowling, fishing, and mushroom picking with his family, especially with his boys. He loved to have a beer with a friend or alone, and always had an ear for listening. His kids will tell you that! Chuck gave good advice, never held a grudge, and was a smart man who loved learning. He returned to school when he was 48 to get his GED. People who knew him loved him. He also enjoyed giving someone a hard time and got a good laugh out of it. He was a member of Rock Church in Shelton, Washington. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Private family gathering