Philip N Baker, 89, magnificent son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, uncle and loyal friend of many, departed this life into the next, April 29, 2020. He was born in Westerly, RI, son of Dorothy Perry Baker and Alfred C. Baker. His young life was blessed with a close, loving family and adventures with his beloved sister, Peg. He was married for nearly 68 years to his wife, Sandy, whom he adored. Together, they enjoyed glorious family time and travel. He loved to fish, and would find a spot to cast in a line wherever he could find a body of water. He imparted this joy to his children and grandchildren. He also relished every moment he was able to be on water in water craft. His passion was sailing, having mastered it on the ocean as a child. He also always said, he enjoyed, and had the ability to row all day long.
Phil never wanted to talk about the things that he did; he just did them because he felt that’s what people should do, but he was a faithful volunteer. After moving to St. Louis, he spearheaded a program harnessing resources and good will of members of local churches, to help provide necessities to those in need in the community. F.I.S.H. resulted in the formation of the food center at his church, and was the precursor to the Ecumenical Ministries, which evolved into Webster-Rock Hill Ministries, a multi-denominational local service organization.
He was on the board at Edgewood Children’s home, was a multi gallon blood donor, was a regular reader for Books on Tape, created recordings for the blind, volunteered at the Kirkwood Public Library and in various capacities at his church. He was a long term member, and a past president of the St. Louis Chapter of the Civil War Round Table, an organization that supported the formation of the Civil War Museum, housed at Jefferson Barracks. Phil was an exquisite writer, critical thinker, loved literature, music and history and instilled these passions in his children. He was gifted with a beautiful singing voice, rhythm, perfect pitch and he cherished music.
He graduated from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, served in the army near the end of the Korean conflict, and remained active in the army reserves for many years. He transferred to St. Louis with the plastics division of the Monsanto Company in 1962. His market research expertise led him to Frank Block and Associates, then D’Arcy McManus Masius advertising firms, before he launched his own market research agency, P.N. Baker Associates. He worked into his eighties.
Phil was honest, gracious, always thought the best of people, had enormous tolerance, and was willing to roll up his sleeves to help in any situation. He had a rich sense of humor, which he maintained until his last days on Earth. He cherished his family, and they, him. In addition to his wife, he is survived by 3 children, Kim (Steve) Mumm, Philip (Renae, deceased) Baker, Alicia (Brad) Farris, 7 grandchildren, Eric (Katie) Mumm, Bianca (Bryan) Alonzo, Emily (James) Jenkins, Nathaniel (Shelby) Baker, Dylan Baker, Marisa (Dan) Skornia, and Victor Farris, and 7 great grandchildren, Penelope, Pierce, Isabella, Philip, Cameron, William and Silas, his sister, Peg (Dick, deceased), niece, Sally (Dick), nephews, Curt (Holly), David (Jill) and Rob (Kristin) and 7 great nieces and nephews.
He is missed dearly. A memorial service will be held at a later date at his church, Emmanuel Episcopal in Webster Groves, when his family, church family, friends and those who loved him can gather.
If desired, memorial donations in his honor to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, designated to the Food Center, #9 South Bompart, Webster Groves, Mo, 63119 would be gratefully received.
May God bless all in this time of need
May God bless all in this time of need
So very sorry for your loss, but so thankful you have wonderful memories!?
So very sorry for your loss, but so thankful you have wonderful memories!?
Sandy and Alicia?
What a wonderful life your Husband/Father had. What a inspiration to others, especially his family. Think of all the wonderful memories you and your family have. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sandy and Alicia?
What a wonderful life your Husband/Father had. What a inspiration to others, especially his family. Think of all the wonderful memories you and your family have. My prayers are with you and your family.
We are so sad for the loss if your dad, Alicia and Brad. He was obviously a fine gentleman, Christian, family man, businessman and Good Samaritan. Always cherish the time spent with him, the memories made and lessons learned. I know you will miss him.
We are so sad for the loss if your dad, Alicia and Brad. He was obviously a fine gentleman, Christian, family man, businessman and Good Samaritan. Always cherish the time spent with him, the memories made and lessons learned. I know you will miss him.
Alicia and Sandy, so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to a wonderful person I knew only as Sandy’s husband/Alicia’s father! Thinking of you both in this difficult year!
Jeanne Thomas
Alicia and Sandy, so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to a wonderful person I knew only as Sandy’s husband/Alicia’s father! Thinking of you both in this difficult year!
Jeanne Thomas
My heartfelt condolences to Phil’s family.
Phil was one of the first members in the St Louis Civil War Round Table who made me feel so welcome as a brand new member in the mid nineties. He will be missed by all who knew him for his sincere kindness and support in an organization that he was so much an important part.
My heartfelt condolences to Phil’s family.
Phil was one of the first members in the St Louis Civil War Round Table who made me feel so welcome as a brand new member in the mid nineties. He will be missed by all who knew him for his sincere kindness and support in an organization that he was so much an important part.
Phil was such a gentle/kind spirit. He had an amazing loving family that cared for him every step of the way.Knowing he is home with Jesus provides reassurance and hope for all of us. He will be greatly missed!
Phil was such a gentle/kind spirit. He had an amazing loving family that cared for him every step of the way.Knowing he is home with Jesus provides reassurance and hope for all of us. He will be greatly missed!
Phil and Sandy were our valued neighbors for more than thirty years. We were honored to have them as neighbors. We extend our sympathy to Sandy and the family. Phil was a friend who advised us and enriched us with his humor and intellect. We greatly miss him.
Phil and Sandy were our valued neighbors for more than thirty years. We were honored to have them as neighbors. We extend our sympathy to Sandy and the family. Phil was a friend who advised us and enriched us with his humor and intellect. We greatly miss him.
Alicia and Sandy,
I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing person Philip was. May your fond memories of him live with you forever and help carry you through this difficult period.
With my deepest sympathy.
Jane Hogg
Alicia and Sandy,
I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing person Philip was. May your fond memories of him live with you forever and help carry you through this difficult period.
With my deepest sympathy.
Jane Hogg
Warm wishes and condolences to your family during this difficult time.
Warm wishes and condolences to your family during this difficult time.