Craig A. Baker

Craig A. Baker, a dedicated individual who worked in the food processing industry for over 35 years, has passed away at the age of 59. Throughout his career, Craig was well-known for his unwavering loyalty and commitment to his employers. His strong work ethic and dedication left a lasting impact on all those he worked with.

Born on June 17, 1964, in Livonia, MI, Craig was raised in a loving family by his parents Ruth and Charles Baker Sr. He shared a special bond with his siblings Cindy Dean, Chuck Baker, and Cathy King-Vincent. Their support and close-knit relationship brought immeasurable joy to Craig's life.

Family always held great significance for Craig. He married the love of his life, Maria, and their union blessed them with 44 years of cherished memories together. Craig took enormous pride in their children: Chad Baker (Shelley), Brian Baker (Hailey), and Caren Elmore (Jake). The love they shared as a family was truly remarkable.

Craig embraced being a Papa with pure delight. His nine grandchildren - Irene, Molly, Gwen, CJ, Ayden, Ryley, Charlotte, Owen, and Oliver - brought immense joy into his life. He relished every moment spent with them and filled their lives with boundless love.

Beyond his professional achievements and family life, Craig had a vibrant personality that touched the lives of those around him. Though described as strong-willed and stubborn at times, he possessed a heart full of kindness that led him to selflessly lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Despite facing adversity when diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) three years ago, Craig's indomitable spirit never wavered. He faced each day with positivity and an unwavering faith in God. Craig became an inspiration to all who knew him as he navigated life's challenges with courage and grace, sharing his powerful testimony.

Craig's hobbies brought great joy to his life. He had an undeniable love for music and could often be heard singing along and tapping his foot to the rhythm. One of his cherished pastimes was traveling to Louisiana in the autumn, where he enjoyed hunting on his sister's property alongside his brother-in-law, Clark. On weekends when he wasn't surrounded by the warmth of his grandchildren's hugs, Craig could be found cheering them on at their various sporting events, earning himself the treasured title of "Papa."

On September 12, 2023, Craig A. Baker passed away in Lawton, MI surrounded by his wife and daughter. As we gather together to remember and honor his life, a gathering of all will be held at Freshwater Community Church in Paw Paw on September 23, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Following the gathering, a Celebration of Life service will commence at noon, then a luncheon.

Craig's departure leaves a void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Maria, children Chad (Shelley), Brian (Hailey), and Caren (Jake), grandchildren Irene, Molly, Gwen, CJ, Ayden, Ryley, Charlotte, Owen, and Oliver, his remarkable mother Ruth Baker and siblings Cindy (Clark) Dean, Chuck (Margie) Baker, and Cathy (John) King-Vincent.

Craig is preceded in death by his father Charles Baker Sr. and many other loving family members. His memory will also be cherished by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws who were touched by his kind-hearted nature and genuine presence.

Craig A. Baker's legacy is one of resilience, pure-heartedness, and unwavering devotion. He leaves behind a profound impact on those fortunate enough to have known him. May we find solace in the memories we shared with him, and may Craig's spirit continue to inspire kindness, hope, and love in all of us.

For those not able to attend in person, Craig's Celebration of Life Service will be live streamed through the Freshwater Facebook Page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Freshwater Community Church (600 E. Michigan Ave Paw Paw, MI 49079) or The ALS Association Michigan Chapter #TeamBaker (P.O. Box 26599 Fraser, MI 48026).