Keith Baker quietly left this life on January 29, 2019 having fulfilled his mission to make a difference in the lives of countless people who crossed his path. Some were brief encounters where he shared a few words of encouragement and others were long friendships with people who later said, “He saved my life.” Keith wasn’t wealthy or famous and didn’t have a lot of degrees or honors; however, he had an amazing ability to use his life story to encourage others who shared many of the same challenges he had experienced and overcome. He was fierce and gentle. He could be tough and stubborn and he had a huge heart. He was a formidable presence and also happy sitting in the back of the room. Keith always carried a gratitude list in his wallet and revised it often. He taught others to do the same.

Keith was born on December 7, 1939 in Lineville, Missouri to William Keith and Marie (Hixson) Baker. He graduated from East High School in Des Moines and earned an associate degree in business from Des Moines Area Community College.

Keith spent most of his career in sales. He always believed he was selling himself as well as a product and was exhaustive in his efforts to build trusting relationships with customers. He had extensive knowledge of industrial lubricants and spent the last years of his career as a sales representative for Allied Oil and Supply Company. He and his wife also owned a wholesale tea distribution company from 2000 to 2013 when, at age 73, he was forced to retire due to his declining health. Life for him was never the same without all those precious contacts with the people he encountered in his work life. However, he continued to find great joy in his 42 year involvement with the community of people in recovery in the Des Moines area.

Keith leaves behind his wife, Deborah Guthrie and children Christine Fessler, Randy Baker (Joyce), Teresa Kueck (Doug), John Baker, Kathy Schreck (Mark) and their mother, Patricia Baker. He is also survived by his sister Judy Lyon (Jeff) and his brother Ron Baker (Joan), seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, five nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews. Keith will also be missed by countless friends and acquaintances.

Visitation will be Monday, February 4th at 1:30 pm at Windsor United Methodist Church, 6222 University Avenue, Des Moines prior to the funeral service at 3:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 27th.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be directed to Windsor United Methodist Church or any animal rights organization. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the staff members at Senior Suites of Urbandale and Suncrest Hospice for their competent and compassionate care.