Lonis Baker

Lonis Baker was born in Hyden, Kentucky on June 23rd, 1940.  A son of the late Lee and Elizabeth Couch Baker, he was the oldest of six children.  

He was a graduate of the Leslie County High School, where he was an exceptional athlete.  During his high school career, he played both basketball and baseball.  He earned a full baseball scholarship with his talents and abilities to play the game.  With much contemplation, Lonis would later turn down the offer.  He was the pitcher for the 1958 Leslie County Eagles Baseball team.

After graduation, Lonis went on to work for his family at Standard Oil and later Chevron where he worked as an auto mechanic.  He became skilled in his work and well respected among his peers. 

On June 16, 1962, Lonis was united in marriage to Chesnie Carol Sizemore.  To their union were born two beloved children, Beth and Mark. Throughout their marriage, Lonis and Carol were a constant source of love and support to one another.  While they shared wonderful memories, they also experienced many of life's tribulations.  In recent years, facing many trials and the unknown, they remained faithful and supportive of one another in times of sickness.  Their love never wavered.  

Lonis was pleasant in his nature, and his friendliness exhibited itself with anyone he met.  He never met a stranger, he was loved and respected by all who knew him.  He was a avid fisherman and was always looking for the next big catch!  While fishing seemed to be his greatest joy, Lonis also enjoyed hunting and making homemade doll fly lures.  

Although his high school years of baseball and basketball may have been behind him, his love for the sports never ceased.  He was an avid sports fan with his favorite teams being the Cincinnati Reds (Baseball) and University of Kentucky Wildcats (Basketball).  Lonis was also an avid NASCAR fan.  

Aside from his hobbies and sports, Lonis and Carol loved to travel. They especially loved to visit their home in Florida where they shared many memories and established life-long friendships.  Additionally, they frequently visited and enjoyed the beauty of the great smokey mountains. 

Lonis had been a life-long resident of Hyden and Leslie County.  He & wife, Carol was of the Baptist faith and were faithful members of the Hyden Baptist Church.

On Sunday, July 21st, 2024, Lonis went home to be with the Lord and was reunited with his beloved wife Carol who preceded him in death on January 08th, 2024.  Lonis was 84 years old.   

In addition to his parents and wife, Lonis was preceded in death by a brother John D. Baker and a sister Norma Morgan.

Lonis leaves the following relatives surviving: his two beloved children Mark Baker & Karen of Stinnett, KY and Beth Baker of Busy, KY.  Three brothers David Lee Baker & his wife Betty of London, KY, Robert Daniel Baker & his wife Deborah of Asher, KY and Wayne Baker & his wife Betty of Stinnett, KY.  Three cherished grandchildren Michael Smith, Tyler Gilbert and Conner Baker.  A very special aunt Mary Mosley, and special friends Cliff Bowling, Kevin Spurlock and his Florida friends.  As well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive his passing.

The funeral service to commemorate the life of Lonis Baker will be held at 2p.m. Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 at Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Roger Wolfe officiating.

Interment will follow at the  Sizemore - Napier Cemetery at Hyden, KY.

Friends & family may gather for visitation from 12 noon until the funeral hour at 2p.m. Wednesday, July 24th at the funeral home chapel.

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home