William Lee “Bill” Baker, 79, of Hutchinson, died September 13, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born September 27, 1945, in Hutchinson, to Edward W. and Vera M. (Foster) Baker.
Bill graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1963, received two bachelor degrees in History and Latin American Studies from the University of Kansas in 1967, and a bachelor’s degree in Education from Wichita State University in 1975. He served in the United States Peace Corps in the Amazon Jungle of Brazil for over two years before embarking upon his career as a teacher – a career that spanned 33 years – at Sherman Junior High, Central Junior High, and the final 23 years as a 5th grade teacher at Wiley Elementary School. Two of those years were spent as an exchange teacher in Sydney, Australia. Bill’s passion for teaching and helping children continued after his retirement with teaching stints at Central Christian Schools and short-term mission trips to Brazil with fellow members of his church, Grace Bible Church. He also enjoyed listening to jazz and folk music and was a history buff; however, what Bill enjoyed most were his children, grandchildren, and friends all across the world.
Bill is survived by: his daughters, Katie Givens (Justin) of Americus, Kristin Peterman Childs (Chad Childs) of Goddard, Megan Baker of Overland Park, Denice Naquin (Andy Shreve) of Lafayette, LA; grandchildren, Isla Givens, Sam Peterman, Elliott Peterman, Gracie Childs, Jada Childs, Trey Childs, Lillian Garrison; bonus children, Jerri Carroll, Vicki Keck, Patti Meier, Scott Compton; sister, Carol Hammond of Longmont, CO; brothers and sisters in-law; cousins; nieces and nephews; and many other family members of the heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has taken place and a private family inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Elliott Chapel. The service will be livestreamed and the link to view it will be active beginning at 9:45 a.m. the day of the service. Click here to view the service
Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until the service.
Memorial donations can be made to New Life Project at Grace Bible Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.