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Kevin Leigh Baker

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Kevin Leigh Baker, resident of Sheridan, WY, passed away on December 31, 2024, at Wyoming Medical Center with his loving family by his side at the age of 73. 

Kevin was born and raised on a farm in Stromsburg, NE. He was the oldest of eight children of Robert and Corinne Baker. He learned the value of hard work, while helping on the family farm, from a young age. As he grew, he became active in sports as a way to get him off the tractor. He became a star athlete in football, basketball, and track during his time in high school. Upon graduation from high school, he attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln, majoring in biology and was a walk-on player for the university basketball team. After finishing his freshman year of college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his initial military service, he re-attended and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a bachelor’s degree. He continued his military service with the National Guard while obtaining his graduate degrees. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Dental College in 1978. Following a one-year residency, he did his graduate work in orthodontics in Lincoln. In March 1978, he married the love of his life, Anne Marie Brusnahan in Lincoln, NE.  In August 1979, they welcomed their first son, Justin Leigh. In August 1981, they welcomed their second son, Adam Ross. In May 1983, they welcomed their daughter Rachel Anne. 

After graduation from the orthodontic program, his search began to find the right community to start his orthodontic practice. A cowboy at heart, when he made his first trip west into Wyoming and first saw the Bighorn Mountains, he knew this is where he had to move. Kevin served the Sheridan and northeast Wyoming area with orthodontic services for 32 years and retired in 2013. 

His heart was in the mountains, where he enjoyed trout fishing, camping, skiing, and hunting deer, elk, moose, Bighorn Mountain sheep, and pronghorn. His adventurous spirit took him far in life. He and Anne enjoyed many travels in and out of the country. There were also many enjoyable family trips taken to numerous places. He lived an active life with his family, coaching and encouraging his children in sports and throughout life. He was known for memorable quotes like “endeavor to persevere,” along with many others, as he passed along words of wisdom over the years. Later in his life, he was able to enjoy time with his three grandchildren, Noah, Noelle, and Nisa Helms. Being a grandfather brought him so much joy. Kevin always knew who he was and was a constant source of support for his family and friends. 

He will be missed by his wife Anne, son Adam (Rene Rivera) Baker, daughter Rachel (Brent) Helms, grandchildren Noah Leigh, Noelle Rose, and Nisa Grace Helms; brother Randy (JoAnn) Baker, sister Lori (Karen) Bauman, brother Brice (Lisa) Baker, sister Julie (Rick) Warner, sister Lou Ann (Gregg) Manske, sister Carolyn (Dave) Petersen, brother Doug (Amy) Baker, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

He was predeceased by his son Justin Leigh, his mother Corinne Baker, and his father Robert Baker. 

Funeral services for Kevin Baker will be on Saturday, January 25 at 2pm at the Ramada Plaza convention rooms in Sheridan, Wyoming. 

Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.

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    Cindy Butler

    January 9, 2025 at 9:20 am

    Deepest sympathies to Anne and all the family. May your memories give you comfort during this difficult time 🙏

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