TORRINGTON – Paul Douglas Baker, 72, of Torrington, died Thursday, April 20, 2023, at his home. Cremation has taken place in accordance with his wishes and service information will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made in care of the family.
Online condolences can be expressed by visiting Paul’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.
Paul was born November 25, 1950, in Fort Benning, Georgia. He was raised by his loving grandparents, Carl and Nancy Derks. He entered the United States Army after high school and was honorably discharged in May of 1977.
Paul began what would become a lifetime career in master carpentry when he started working in Granger, Wyoming doing construction work. It was in Granger where he met his future wife, Kathryn Przepiora. He knew she was the one because she was the first woman to ever put him in his place and tell him exactly where to go.
They eloped on December 27, 1974, in Kemmerer. The couple was headed to Minnesota when they unexpectedly landed in Lusk. They remained in Lusk for 10 years, later moving to Lingle and becoming members at the Lingle Baptist Church. Paul and Kathy eventually settled in Torrington where they made a home together for over 30 years.
Paul faced many challenges with his health throughout the years, particularly with arthritis and MS disease which ultimately left him wheelchair bound. Nonetheless, he didn’t let that stop him from living life to the fullest and doing things that brought him joy for as long as he could. He was a talented artist in crafts and an expert in his carpentry work. He attended Eastern Wyoming College studying art for some time. Paul was able to let his creative mind thrive even more when his very own woodworking shop was built at his home with the help of the Vocational Rehab Program. He was a frequent patron at Bloedorn Lumber and enjoyed visiting with employees and other customers.
He was an avid outdoorsman and mountain man. Whether it be hunting, fishing, camping, or any other outdoor activity, Paul was all for it. His appreciation for nature motivated him to establish the Christian Bow Hunters of America (CBA) in Goshen County. The times when he had to be indoors, he enjoyed listening to the radio, although at an obscene volume due to his lack of hearing. Paul was also a voracious reader, eagerly reading whatever Kathy would select for him from the local library.
Paul had a special relationship with each of his grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Poppa”. He gifted all of them their own Indian love flute, handmade by him, prior to his passing.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Kathy Baker of Torrington; children, Scott (Melissa) Baker of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Joshua (Michelle) Baker of Billings, Montana, and Amanda (Jeremy) Cherrington of Torrington; eleven grandchildren; siblings, Van Baker of Tucson, Arizona, Ron (Amy) Howard of Riverton, Wyoming and Betsy (Jim) Draper of Missouri; along with other extended relatives and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Nancy Derks; an infant sister; and brother, Kenny Howard.
“Don’t cry for me, I’m not gone. My soul is at rest, my heart lives on. Light a candle for me to see and hold on to my memory, but save your tears for I’m still here, by your side through the years.” By Christy Ann Martine
