It is with broken and sadden heart that I sit here writing my beloved brother's obituary. Kenny Lee Baker, born on November 5, 1968, passed away on December 9, 2025, after an extended illness. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Jane Baker of Clintwood, his maternal grandparents, Dock and Virgie Bostic of Clintwood, and his paternal grandparents, Arson and Dollie Baker of Clinchco.
Those left to mourn his passing are his two sons, Robert Baker of Newton, NC, and Anson Baker of Savannah, GA; the mother of his boys, Kim Baker, also of Newton, NC; his brothers, Jerry Baker and his wife, Kendra Baker, of Prestonsburg, KY; Dennis Baker and his wife, Aimee, of Clintwood; his nephews, Cody Mullins, Treven Hines, and Miles Sumner; and niece, Celeste Sumner. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins who love him and will miss his presence.
Kenny graduated from Clintwood High School in 1988. He played football and basketball for the Greenwave, where he excelled in both. After graduating, he immediately moved to North Carolina to find work. He worked several jobs while in NC, from boat construction and welder to heavy equipment operator until late 2023 when his health started to deteriorate. At that point, he decided he wanted to come back home to Bise Ridge, the place he always wanted to be, and the place that never left his mind. He spoke of home often, reminiscing of all the fun times he had growing up, along with all the hard work he had to do while being here.
Kenny loved to hunt and fish. We got together every chance we could to do both. Those memories I will never forget. We traveled several times to the North Carolina coast to go deep sea fishing; several trout fishing trips that took us to the mountains across North Carolina and Virginia; and deer hunting as well. I was with Kenny the day he took his largest buck while hunting here at home.
Kenny also spoke to me about how proud he was of the men his boys grew up to be. Both meant so much to him, and a call from either one would always lift his spirits, even when he was not feeling well. Robert and Anson, your dad loved you more than life, and he was immensely proud of your accomplishments in life thus far.
It was Kenny's wishes to be cremated and be placed by our parents in our family cemetery on Bise Ridge. A private ceremony will be held at a later date.
"Bub, you will be missed but never forgotten. I will cherish all the memories that I have of our time together. You are free, with your new body, with no health issues. If everybody had a brother like you, the world would be a better place. The brotherly love I have for you is unmeasurable. Your brother, Dennis."