Riley Joseph Baker, the five and a half year old son of Blane and Emily Baker, was born on May 18, 2009, in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away at the home of his parents near Lowry City, Missouri, on January 1, 2015.
Riley’s short life was marred by the limitations and sufferings brought on by various medical conditions. But although short, it was a life marked by the love of all who came into contact with him and the hearts of the people he touched.
In 2012-2013, Riley attended pre-school at Clinton Early Childhood Development School, under the care and teaching of Mrs. Dena Cambers. He attended the Lakeland Pre-school in Deepwater-Lowry City for the 2013-2014 school year and again in the Fall of 2014 until his passing, under the care and teaching of Miss Sandy, Miss Becky, Miss Sarah, and Miss Ashley. Prior to attending school, he enjoyed day care with Stephanie Dull, Dena Cambers and Georgie Carney.
Riley enjoyed snuggling with his Mom and riding in the Ranger and scouting the back roads of St. Clair County for deer hunting spots with his Dad. He almost always smiled when his little sister, Reesey, patted him and called him “Joe.” He enjoyed his teachers and classmates at Lakeland Pre-School and was saddened on the days that he could not go to school.
Riley went on two family trips to Orlando, Florida, where he enjoyed Disney World and Sea World. He had been with the family twice to Branson and had been to the Kansas City Zoo and the Omaha Zoo.
Although he had not reached the age of accountability and could not be a member of the Church, he was a part of Sharon Baptist Church of Lowry City, Missouri, where his parents faithfully took him whenever he was well enough to attend and where each and every member loved, cared for and supported him and his family. As a part of the Church, he will be a part of the Church in heaven.
Riley is survived by his parents, Blane and Emily Baker, of Lowry City, Missouri. His two-year old sister, Reese, of the home. Grandparents, J. D. and Candi Baker, of Osceola, Missouri. Grandparents, Robert and Kathy Bender, of North Kansas City, Great-grandmother, Jean Sheldon of Osceola, Missouri. Great-grandmother, Phillys Bartels of Olathe, Kansas. Uncle and aunt, Brandon and Renee Baker, of Lowry City, Missouri. Aunt Madeline Bender of North Kansas City, Missouri. Aunt and uncle, Greta and Brent Rogers, of St. Louis, Missouri. Cousins, Jackson, Jesse, and Jamie Baker of Lowry City, Missouri. A host of other great uncles and aunts, cousins and second-cousins, friends, and loved ones.
Riley was pre-ceded in death by his great-grandparents, Leon and Ada Mae Baker, great-grandparents, Dr. Henry and Bonnie Bender, great-grandfather, Charles Sheldon, and great-grandfather, George E. Bartels, and cousin, Sean Sheldon.
Although his life was short and marred by suffering, everyone that knew Riley loved him and was touched by him. Although we selfishly wanted him to remain and will now have a hole in our heart and miss him greatly, in God’s infinite wisdom, he knew it was time for his suffering to end. He is now walking, talking, and playing with the angels at the feet of God.
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