MAX H. BAKER Jan. 9, 1951 – Oct. 19, 2016
After a two-year battle with cancer, Max H. Baker passed from this mortal sphere on October 19, 2016 at his home in Farmington, Utah. He was 65 years old.
Born January 9, 1951, Max was welcomed to this earth by parents Ray S. and Nelda Baker of Teton, Idaho. He learned much about hard work and integrity from his parents as he helped to work the family farm. His perseverance and tenacity carried over to his education, and after graduating from South Fremont High School in 1969, he attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a BA in History and going on to earn his Masters of Public Administration from BYU.
He went on to have a successful career in city and county governments in Aztec, Mexico; Daly City, California; Farmington, New Mexico; Joplin, Missouri; and ultimately Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he served as finance director, deputy county administrator, and then county administrator. He retired in October 2009, having earned the respect and admiration of many coworkers and citizens along the way.
At BYU, Max met his sweetheart, Kathryn Diane Sperry, of Joplin, Missouri. They married on May 26, 1978 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They are the parents of three children: Elizabeth Ann, Martin Alexander, and Ray Galen. They made their homes in the many towns that Max served in, and following his retirement, he and Kath relocated to Utah to be nearer to family.
Max was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and cousin. He is survived by his wife, Kath (Farmington, UT); his children Beth (Nathan Given; Lehi, UT), Alex (Julia; Los Alamos, NM), and Ray (Farmington, UT); sisters Marsha (Dennis Phillips; St. Anthony, ID) and Julie (Dee Mackliet; Farmington, UT); brothers Wayne (Kay; Teton, ID), Phil (Valerie; Teton, ID), and Marc (Ruth, American Fork, UT); and nine grandchildren: Logan Max, Emeline, Joshua, Kaylee, Abigail, Leah, Mayzie, Andrew, and Brett. Max was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cheryl.
Max was devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities in the Church, including elders quorum president, clerk, bishopric, high council, Gospel Doctrine and Primary teacher, ward mission leader, and temple cafeteria volunteer. His unwavering loyalty and integrity throughout his life is exemplary of a true follower of Jesus Christ.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 21 at 11am at the LDS chapel on 1395 S 200 E in Farmington, UT. A viewing will be held before the service from 9:30-10:30. Interment will be at the Farmington cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Primary Children’s Hospital.
