Barry Alden Baker

Barry Alden Baker, 84, of Ephraim, Utah, passed away unexpectedly at his home, February 8, 2023. Barry was born on July 23, 1938, in Minersville, Utah, to Melba Irene Jameson and William Harold Baker. He spent his childhood working hard and playing hard on the family farm. He often reminisced of neighborhood friends helping the Baker brothers get their chores done so they could play a game of ball on the Baker property.

Barry graduated from Beaver High School in 1956. He attended Utah State University for a year before being called to serve a full time mission to New Zealand. He loved his mission; the experiences he had there set him up for a lifetime of missionary service. After his mission, Barry met Tamra Hyde; they were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 9, 1963.

Together, Barry and Tamra built a life centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Barry earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Utah State University (Logan, UT), and later a Master of Education from Brigham Young University (Provo, UT). He entered the Seminaries and Institutes program of The Church of Jesus Christ and taught in Coalville, Kamas, and Lehi. In 1970, the family was transferred to St. Cloud, Minnesota, where Barry served as Director of Seminaries and Institutes in that region for 13 years. In 1983, they moved to Ephraim where Barry taught at the Snow College Institute of Religion until he retired in 2000. They then served missions in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Florida.

Besides being employed full time by the Church, Barry was faithful in various church assignments. He was civic-minded as well, serving on the Ephraim City Council; he also enjoyed the camaraderie he felt from his membership in the Sons of Utah Pioneers. He was always looking for ways to improve his surroundings. Barry loved his hobbies of gardening, pinenutting, beekeeping, weather watching, and writing.

Barry is survived by his children: Heidi (Shane) Argyle, West Jordan, UT; Jason (Annette) Baker, Katy, TX; Jeremy (Amber) Baker, Cypress, TX; and Heather (Matthew) Bailey, Salisbury, MD. He is grandfather to 16 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: DeLoy, Marlene, Roland, Raymond, and Rebekah. He is preceded three weeks in death by his eternal sweetheart, Tamra, and by his parents.

Barry’s life was entirely devoted to his Savior and his family. In honor of Barry, minister to a family member or a neighbor.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 12:00 noon in The Ephraim 1 st Ward Chapel. Viewings will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. prior to services, both held at the church. Interment in the Ephraim Park Cemetery.

The family sincerely thanks extended family members, friends, and ward family for the immense kindness and generosity shown towards Barry especially since the death of Tamra. He felt of your love and care.