Send With Love
Sunday, August 25, 2024
1:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Phillip (Phil) E. Baker
1955 – 2024
Phil Baker, age 68, passed away August 11, 2024, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was born October 9, 1955, in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late Robert and Nina Baker of Cooper Township where Phil resided for the majority of his life. He was a graduate of Davenport University with a computer programming degree, but the love of Phil’s life (besides family) was soccer. His soccer career spanned over 30 years beginning with AYSO in Plainwell as a coach, referee, board member and Regional Commissioner for 16 years. He went on to referee for Kingdom Sports, Soccer Zone (Let’s Play Soccer), area high schools, tournaments, and various soccer leagues including Bardar Futbol Club. He was a modest local celebrity well known by three generations of players; recognized wherever he went right up to the end by his nurses, doctors and other hospital staff. Phil was a loving husband, father and grandfather. On December 27, 1981, he married Diane E. Eby. He was preceded in passing by his parents Robert E. Baker and Nina J. Baker and his grandson, Jacob (Jake) P. Baker. Phil is survived by three children, Jessica (Sean) Duncan, Dylan (Sydney Lee-Baker) Baker, Kassandra (Rian) Caldwell and four grandchildren, Kira Duncan, Ellie Baker, Brayden Baker and Khaleysii Lee. Phil enjoyed his family and soccer most of all, as well as his goldfish pond, his cats and dogs – to the point he would probably want those listed who preceded him in death as well as the ones he leaves behind! He was sarcastic and had a wonderful sense of humor. He devoted himself to the soccer community and relished the time on the field with players.
A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, August 25, 2024, 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Kalamazoo Community Soccer Complex on Drake Rd. in Kalamazoo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Kidney Fund.
While visiting Phil’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.
The family is being assisted by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881).
Sunday, August 25, 2024
1:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Kalamazoo Community Soccer Complex
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