REV. BILLY R. BAKER

Rev. Billy R. Baker, 78, of Overland Park, KS passed away October 4, 2015. Funeral service will be 11 AM Friday, October 9, 2015 at Belton Assembly of God 613 E. North Ave, Belton, MO 64012 with visitation 10-11 AM. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be left to Abundant Life Assembly of God or Belton Assembly of God. Billy was born August 30, 1937 in Truman, Arkansas, the son of Ross and Elsie (Banks) Baker. Billy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beverly Baker; son, Stanley Baker; sisters, Glenda Lane and Virginia Gunter; and brother, Jerry Baker. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Baker of 10 years; son, Bradley Baker (Brooke); step-son, Bradley Lemmon (Cindy); step-daughters, Cynthia Higgins (John), Pamela Sullivan (Robin) and Lynette Chastain (Rick); brother, Michael Baker; sister, Barbara Myers; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Billy Baker was a great man with great influence. Though he came from humble beginnings, he rose to be a renowned leader in his field. His early days brought him much notoriety in the Kansas City area. Billy was known in the sporting circles of the city. He was an outstanding track and field star (High jump, miler) at Wyandotte High School, basketball player and baseball pitcher, and even offered opportunities to play professionally. He turned all offers down because of his passion and calling to full time ministry. He never lost his strong love for all sports and would be considered an avid St Louis Cardinals and Kansas Jayhawks fan. But, if you ask anyone about him today, they would say that, "Billy was a man of God." In the ministry for over 60 years as a pastor throughout Missouri (with nearly 25 years in Kansas City alone), Indiana and Texas, as well. In 1991, he was elected to be Secretary/Treasurer of the Southern Missouri District of the Assemblies of God in Springfield. After 8 years in office he was elected Superintendent of the District, overseeing nearly 350 churches and 1500 Pastors. He is known for his great leadership as well as his amazing approachability. A man who loved his family, his friends and his God. He had a tenacious approach to life, with an encouraging and positive spirit that caused everyone to want to be in his company. A mentor and hero to many, a friend to many, many more. He has left a great legacy that will continue to affect generations to come. Bill Baker will be missed, but never forgotten.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO (816)322-5278