Michael “Mike” Lee Baker, 66, of Owensboro, passed away June 26, 2023, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born July 5, 1956, in Daviess County, to the late James Lee Baker and Kathleen (Kay) Wright Baker.
Mike was a graduate of Owensboro High School, class of 1974. He worked in the food and restaurant industry for over forty years. Most recently, he co-founded Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits. He enjoyed being part of the Owensboro Downtown Revitalization and was a member of St. Stephen Cathedral.
Mike was passionate about gardening and had a garden full of tomatoes every summer. He loved a good card game and was a competitive ping-pong player. Mike especially enjoyed beach vacations with his children and grandchildren, who fondly called him “Poppy.” Those who knew and loved Mike would say he had a big heart and a generous spirit.
Mike was a highly motivated servant leader in all aspects of his life. Faith and family came first and were at the forefront of all his decision-making. He made everyone he met his “favorite.” Among his favorites was Girls Inc., or “Girls Incredible,” as he called it. He served in leadership and training capacities for over 30 years with Girls Inc. His efforts always led to record-breaking events, sometimes achieving staggering goals. He was President of the board for two years and continued to invest in each President in office after him to ensure success for the organization. His love for the organization permeated all aspects of his personal and professional life. His leadership leaves a lasting legacy of love and genuine impact on the individual girls and the organization. Mike served on the Owensboro Help Office Board, where his vision helped countless people in need. Mike was always dedicated and passionate about serving those less fortunate in our community.
In addition to his parents, Mike is preceded in death by his sister, Dianne West, and nephew, Kevin Wayne Jennings.
Left to cherish Mike’s memory is his high school sweetheart and loving wife of forty-five years, JoElla Dupont Baker; his children, Emily (Gregg) Kern and Natalie Payne Baker; his grandchildren, Ella Diane Swift, Ruby Louise Swift, Sylvia Kate Payne, Vera Helen Payne, Michael Baker Swift, Jack Henry Payne, Austin Jacob “AJ” Kern, Adam Michael Kern, and Andrew Wesley Kern; his siblings, Linda (Jerald) Hardison, Anna “Sissy” (Pat) Thompson, and David (Lori) Baker; his sisters-in-law, Connie (Scott) Gaddis and DeDe (Ron) Anderson; his brother-in-law, Jerry West; his many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Services will be 12:00 pm on Friday, June 30, 2023, at St. Stephen Cathedral. Burial to follow at Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 29, 2023, and from 9:00 am until 11:30 am at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, June 30, 2023. Prayers will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 29, 2023, following visitation at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of charitable donations made payable to Girls Inc, at 2130-G East 19th Street, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303, or to The Help Office of Owensboro at 1316 West 4th Street, Owensboro, Kentucky 42301. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Michael “Mike” Lee Baker. Leave your messages of condolence for the family of Mr. Baker and sign his virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.