Reeves Wilmer “Will” Baker, 86, husband, father, cowboy and disciple of Christ passed through the veil of mortality on March 10, 2023. After battling infection for several months, Will’s last days were spent where he wanted to be – surrounded by his loving wife and family in his home in Orem, Utah.
Born February 1, 1937, to Laura George and Reeves Vincent Baker in Escalante, Utah, Will learned the importance of hard work growing up as a cattle rancher. He carried that ethic into his service as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia, a student at Brigham Young University, an officer in the U.S. Air Force and a Budget & Accounting Officer in the Forestry, Fire and State Lands division of the Utah Department of Natural Resources. He was rarely idle, constantly working on projects around the house, serving his family and neighbors, or working in the LDS temple – always in his quiet, humble way. When faced with challenges, he met them head-on and often encouraged those around him with a favorite phrase: “it makes men out of boys.”
Even more than his love of hard work, Will loved God, his country, and his family, especially his dear wife, “Sister Baker.” He met Sharey Ann Larsen at BYU, married her in 1964 in the Logan Utah Temple, and moved with her to England where they began their family and a career with the US Air Force. Will was honored to serve his country, and he experienced great personal growth and development during his years with the Air Force, eventually retiring from the Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. Above all, he gave credit to Heavenly Father, and was quick to express gratitude to Him. Will recognized the Lord’s hand guiding his decisions about family, employment, education and family history work.
Will was preceded in death by his parents (with whom he eagerly awaited a reunion) a sister, Laurel, and a daughter, Linda. He is survived by his wife, Sharey Ann, seven children – LeAnn (Michael) Johnson, Craig (Julie) Baker, Jennifer (Shane) Lawrence, Michelle (Joe) Gividen, Brian (Ashley) Baker, David (Tamra) Baker, and Camilla Baker – 30 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held in Will’s honor on Saturday, March 18, 2023 in Orem, Utah.
