Kenny Baker, 72

Kenneth J. “Kenny” Baker, age 72, of Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Aug. 18, 1941 in Three Rivers, MI. the son of the late Kenneth and Marion (Butler) Baker.

Mr. Baker graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1960. On Feb. 11, 1961 he was united in marriage to the love of his life Charlotte (Clipfell) Baker. Mr. Baker began his career with the Three Rivers Police Department in 1973 as a patrolman. In 1976 he was promoted to Detective and in 1978 to Detective Sergeant. In 1985 he became Lieutenant until being appointed to Chief of Police in 1993 until his retirement in August of 1996. He served his country in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard from 1960 until he was honorably discharged in 1987.

Mr. Baker loved to serve his community. Kenny served as a City Commissioner from 2011 until 2012 and was active Mayor from 2010 until 2011. Ken was a founding member and director of the Friends of Riverside Cemetery Program established in 2010 and also served on the cemetery board and as interim sexton during that time.

Kenny leaves to cherish his loving memory, his wife of 52 years, Charlotte (Clipfell) Baker, of Three Rivers; one daughter, Sheryl “Sheri” (Allan) Thorbjornsen, of Three Rivers; one son, William (Jessica) Baker, of South Carolina; two brothers, Jeffrey (Margene) Baker, of Three Rivers and Robin (Marge) Baker, of Constantine; one sister, Nancy (Richard) Wells, of DeWitt, MI.; Six grandchildren, Josh (Stacy) Griffin, Davy (Alisa) Griffin, Tammy Griffin, Tori Thorbjornsen, Jonathan and Kiana Baker; four great-grandchildren, Kylin, Shane and Rowan Griffin, Emily Ventrone.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday Nov. 8, 2013 at the Hohner Funeral Home.

Funeral Services for Mr. Baker will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013 at Three Rivers High School with Hospice Chaplain Rev. Karla Kauffman officiating.

Honors will be held in Riverside Cemetery under the auspices of the Three Rivers Police and Fire Departments and the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department.

Memorials may be donated to the Three Rivers Health Hospice or the West Michigan Cancer Center. Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.hohnerfh.com.