William Raymond Baker, lovingly known as Bill, age 79, passed away in his home surrounded by family on April 21, 2026.

Born October 2, 1946 in Greeley, Colorado to the late Erma and Raymond Baker. He grew up in Minturn, Colorado when life was simple. Bill spent his childhood exploring the mountains and learning about hard work; collecting coal and wood for the winter months and seeing his parents work the peach harvest in the summer. It’s during this time that Bill found his love for the outdoors and became an avid hunter and fishermen, a passion he carried throughout his life.

Bill attended Battle Mountain High School in Red Cliff, Colorado, where he graduated in 1964

Bill could play music by ear, loved motorcycles and tinkering. One of Bill’s biggest joys was a 1965 Chevel Super Sport that he couldn’t keep tires on from going “My Speed Limit!” As he would say.

Bill was Married to Judith Ann White on January 26th 1971 in Grand Junction, Colorado. Where Bill gained two stepchildren; Roger Ward and Susan Ward.

Throughout his life Bill held many jobs, from working in a gold mine, to a meat cutter, Bill was a jack of many trades. He eventually retired from the Railroad after 24 years of service, due to injury of his back, which left him disabled.

During his retirement, Bill enjoyed woodworking, tinkering on miscellaneous projects, fishing and running a small hobby farm with his wife.

Bill always considered himself a loner; but It was hard not to love Bill. His friends would say that Ol’ Bill was a quiet, easy going soul that would be willing to lend a helping hand or ear to darn near anyone. He took care of those he loved with great pride.

Bill is preceded in death by his Wife, Judy Ann Baker (2014)and Stepson, Roger Alan Ward (2025).

Bill is survived by his brother, John (Alice) of Pueblo, CO.Stepdaughter, Susan (Kenneth) Chadwick of Minturn, Colorado. Granddaughter, Jessie (Vincent) Pettis, whom he considered a daughter, of Mack, CO. Grandsons, Kevin and Michael Chadwick. Great Grandsons, Dane and Owen Pettis. Two nieces, a Nephew and numerous grand Nieces and Nephews.

Bill will be greatly missed.

Per Bill’s final wishes no formal service will be held. To honor Bill, crack a Diet Coke and “take a break” as he’d say.