Bill R. Baker, 85, of Ft. Morgan, Colorado passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at his home. He had an infectious laugh, a smile for everyone and enjoyed life to its fullest.

Bill was born in Estes Park, Colorado on August 4, 1938, to Gilbert and Lois Murphy Baker. Bill was the oldest of 7 children. He graduated from Wiggins High School where he participated in FFA, football and basketball. After graduation he moved to Denver to work in construction. He married Betty Lauck, also from Wiggins in 1958. In 1959 they returned to Ft. Morgan where Bill started Bill R. Baker Cement Construction Company. He spent many years forming basements, sidewalks, driveways in Morgan County as well as irrigation diversions on the South Platte River.

Bill was a community-oriented person serving on the Ft. Morgan School Board, a member of the Fort Morgan Optimist Club and the Ft. Morgan Heritage Foundation Board.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman, spending many hours fly fishing in Colorado and Wyoming, big game hunting in many states as well as Mongolia and Canada and duck and goose hunting in Morgan County. Whitewater rafting was also a favorite pastime with a 21-day trip down the Grand Canyon a highlight. He obtained his pilots license and enjoyed day trips to the mountains to fish.

Upon retirement from cement work, Bill started raising white and blue corn for the families living on the reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. The unique corn and pollen were used for food preparation and in ceremonies. He often traded the corn for turquoise jewelry, Indian rugs, pottery and Kachina dolls. He was known throughout the reservations as the "Corn Man."

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty L. Baker, their daughter Sharon Kauffman (Daniel) of Ft. Morgan and their daughters Angela, Alisha, and Ashley. Their son Douglas Baker (Janna) of Wray, Colorado and their children Tonya and Lt. Commander Mark Baker. He had 11 great grandchildren ranging in age from 6 months to 15 year of age.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 23 at the Serenity Fall Columbarium in Riverside Cemetery at 10:30 am with a lunch to follow at Country Road Vines and Wines located at 16985 Road 21 in Ft. Morgan, CO