Michael Lee Baker, 74, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at home.
Born September 16, 1951, in Michigan City, Indiana, Michael was the son of the late John Thomas Baker and Daisy (Jenkins) Baker. He honorably and proudly served his country in the United States Army and was an avid outdoorsman. Michael found great joy in serving others through his talent as a chef, and his passion for cooking was evident in every dish he prepared as he brought family and friends together to share meals, stories, and laughter around the table. Having worked as a sous chef for much of his career, his most recent venture was owner of Backwoods Grillin’ Time on Pottertown Road in Murray.
Those left to cherish memories of Michael include his wife of 47 ½ years, Tammy Marie (Block) Baker of Murray; his beloved children, Gwendolen Annette Baker of Cadiz, KY, Phenicia Eileen (Brandon) McKinney of Orlando, FL, Brittania Marie (Ryan) Seeker of St. Louis, MO, Michelle Lee Baker of Murray, and Joe Baker of Colorado; a brother, John Baker, Jr.; sisters, Carolyn Perry, Shirley Milzarek, and Linda Baker; and his precious grandchildren, Jayden, Kayden, Keiera, Austin, Jaxon, Kamren, Micah, and Alicia.
In addition to his parents, Michael was also preceded in death by his sister, Cathi Slater.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home. John Dale will officiate. Burial will immediately follow the service at Barnett Cemetery in Murray, with Ryan Seeker, Brandon McKinney, Kamren Baker, Todd Milzarek and Micah Baker serving as pallbearers.
Friends may visit with the family between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.
The family requests that donations, in memory of Michael, be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Baker. Please share your messages of condolence by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.
