Brent Baker

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Brent Howard Baker, age 49 of Joplin, MO, transitioned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 while surrounded by his loving family.

Brent was born in Joplin on May 7, 1971, the son of Charles William “Bill” Baker, Jr. and Sherry (Howard) Petersen. He graduated with the Class of 1989 from Diamond High School. 

In 1993, he was married to Patricia (Terry) Baker, and together they had two sons: Lauden Baker (1995) and Logan Baker (1999).

In 1993, Brent established his business Utopian Systems that he owned and operated for 27 years. Brent was passionate about music and played guitar and sang vocals in a variety of rock bands in the late 80s and early 90s. He would eventually write, record, and perform his own country album “Giddy-UP!” along with other country and classic rock hits with his band at events and concerts across the four-state area and beyond.

Brent had a way of making everyone around him feel seen and special. He would do anything for his friends and worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful life for his family. Brent had a smile and energy that could light up a room; he could talk and connect with anyone. Brent lived his life with an abundance of hard work, gratitude, tenacity, strength, humor, wit, passion, faith, and love. Despite the continued health challenges he faced in his final months, Brent upheld all of these traits until his last breath.

Brent was a born-again Christian, having been baptized at the age of 5. He showcased and shared his faith by the way he lived his life and the way he loved others. His faith in Christ provided him hope even in the most trying of times. Despite his diagnosis, he was never angry, and he died in peace and faith, ready to be embraced by our Holy Father.

Brent’s surviving loved ones include his mother, Sherry (Howard) Petersen of Carthage; his sister, Shelly (Baker) Jones of Carthage; his two sons: Lauden Baker and his fiancé Marriah Darnell of Joplin, Logan Baker of Joplin; their mother and Brent’s best friend; Patricia (Terry) Baker of Joplin, his daughter-figure; Marlee (Lake) Thompson and husband Aaron Thompson of Pittsburg, and his niece; Lyndsey (Jones) Clark and husband Jason Clark of Carthage with their two sons: Jaxon Clark and John Spencer Clark.

Brent was preceded in death by his father, Charles William “Bill” Baker, Jr.

Services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2020 at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Forest Park Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 2020 at the funeral home. The family asks that guests wear a mask and abide by social distancing protocols where possible.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.