Kevin Baker

Kevin Baker was born to James Artemas Baker and Stella Effie Stalcup Baker on January 10, 1935, at home in Lockney, Texas. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Andrew Baker, a sister, Mary Alice Gonzalez, and one son, Joseph Baker.

Kevin graduated from high school in Pecos, Texas, in 1954. He studied business at the University of Denver for two years before returning to Plainview, Texas to manage his uncle’s skating rink. Kevin also studied at Lubbock Christian College. He entered the military in the latter part of 1957 and served two years in Army Ordnance, where he maintained guided missile systems. In 1959 Kevin worked with his father as manager of the Baker Pump Company in Pecos, Texas. In 1961 he opened a skating rink in Brownfield, Texas. In 1966, Kevin moved to Lubbock and worked at Caprock Paint as a chemist while planning and building Skate Ranch, which he opened in the summer of 1967.

Kevin married Ann Lynn Johnson in September 1974. Kevin and Ann ran Skate Ranch for over 55 years. This business was a tool that allowed Kevin to be a mentor to youth in the Lubbock area. Many claim Kevin as a second father and credit him as a pivotal figure in their life. He taught countless children to skate and to play roller hockey, his favorite game. In 1971 he established the Lubbock Colts RHC hockey team. Under Kevin’s leadership the team competed internationally and across the United States.

Kevin was a compassionate friend to many. Kevin and Ann opened their home to international students at Texas Tech and Sunset School of Preaching. They also sponsored refugees and immigrants looking for opportunities and the American dream. Kevin was a member of Sunset Church of Christ. Kevin and Ann were honored by the Adventures in Missions program for their generosity and dedication to spreading the Gospel of Christ to the world.

Kevin is survived by his wife and nine children, Drew Baker and Jennifer of Lubbock, Texas; Chris Baker and Holly of Spring, Texas; Artie Baker and Julie of Amarillo, Texas; Erin Henderson and James of Mexico City; Keely Miller and Phill of Boys Ranch, Texas; Lonn Baker and Raelynne of Lubbock, Texas; Holly Tracy and Josh of Garland, Texas; Shae Montandon and Zach of Lubbock, Texas; Austin Baker and Shelby of Lubbock, Texas; Eighteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Sunset Church of Christ on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Children's Home of Lubbock (4404 Idalou Road, Lubbock, Texas 79403), SIBI Solar Players at Sunset Church of Christ (3723 34th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79413), or Operation Ecuador at Faith Village Church of Christ (4100 McNiel Avenue, Wichita Falls, Texas 76308).