Melvin Earl Baker, of Etowah TN, passed away unexpectedly on Friday October 25, 2019 at UT Medical Center.  The son of Lawrence Baker and Delores (Canterbury), he was born on August 9, 1951 in Kirksville, MO.  On December 4th, 1970 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Kingsley, who survives the home.

Melvin is survived by his wife Mary Baker (Kingsley) of Etowah TN  his parents Lawrence Baker and Delores (Canterbury) of Downing MO, his sister Rita Benton and Gary of Centralia MO, his brother Fred Baker and Chris (Treaster) of Downing  MO, his sisters-in-law Shirley and Carol Kingsley of Edina MO, and brother-in-law Rick Kingsley and Dora of Edina MO, four children, Sherri Cooper and Scott of Hurdland, MO,  Larry Baker and Savannah (McCosh) of  Decauter TN, Terri Pinson and Travis of Etowah TN, and Carri Baker of Englewood TN.  Also surviving are his grand children, Thomas Baker and Brett of Athens TN, Dylan Lujan of Englewood TN, Allison Dredge and Dakota of Cameron MO, Cheyene Munson of Etowah TN, Sean Pinson, Briana Pinson, Alyssa Jenkins, Kali Baker and Ashley Jenkins.  His step grandchildren BreeAnna Basler and Jonathan of Macon MO, Ashey Cooper and Sandi Cooper. And his great grandchildren Brent Baker, Katherine Handzlik, Cole White, Isabella Dredge, Sophie Baker and Cooper Basler.  Also numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Melvin grew up on a farm outside of Knox City, MO.  He had several jobs, painting antique tractors, driving semi truck, hauling milk and more.  In 2006 he settled in Etowah, TN.  There he started his own business, M&M Welding, and enjoyed many Saturdays “cleaning up his shop”.  He attended church at Englewood Church of God also in Englewood TN where he was a beloved member of the community and friend to all who knew him. 

Melvin loved to fish and went frequently with his son, Larry.  He especially liked it when one of his grandsons would join them.  He loved working with his hands and every year would plant Mary’s flower beds with beautiful flowers he picked out himself.  Melvin would also never miss a chance to crawl on the floor and play with his grand children.

Melvin’s smile and laugh at family dinners will be missed the most.  His sense of humor was priceless and his practical jokes were one of a kind.  He knew no stranger and always had an ear for anyone who needed to talk.  Of course you were going to get his opinion in the end, but it was always with love. 

A memorial service will be held at First Liberty Full Gospel Church in Kirksville MO on Saturday November 9th at 10 a.m.  Graveside services will be held on Sunday November 10th at 2 p.m. in the Knox City Cemetery. 

Memorials are suggested to the family and may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO, 63537.

Display:
By Year Deceased Alphabetically Yearbook Photo



2019
Melvin Baker  

2017
Larry Barnes  
Stan Platz  

2015
Shirlene Golden (Chancellor)  
Kenny Swann  

2014
David Clair  
Gordon Edwards  

2013
Jerry Medley  

2011
Jo Ann Aucutt (Delo)  
Mary Ragland  

2010
Craig Mauck  

2009
Carl Kingsley  
Mike See  

2006
Lee Rogers  

2003
Richard Glover  
Jim Strong  

1991
Barbara Early (Vreeland)  

1990
Ronnie Meek  

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