Remembering Chad: A Celebration of Life

The world has lost several remarkable individuals named Chad Baker, each leaving behind a unique legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. This article commemorates the lives of Chad Allen Baker, Jonathon "Chad" Baker, Chad O’Neil Baker, and Chad E. Baker, celebrating their contributions and the impact they had on their families and communities.

Chad Allen Baker (1974-2023)

On September 18, 2023, Chad Allen Baker passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, joining his beloved father in heaven. Born on August 10, 1974, in Conrad, Montana, to Glen and Lil Baker, Chad captured the hearts of everyone he met from an early age.

Chad's journey began with a successful career in Special Olympics. His family traveled across Montana to support him, and they were touched by the kindness of strangers who simply wanted to meet him and receive one of his hugs. After his Special Olympics career, Chad became a self-proclaimed executive at several businesses.

His first venture was at Van Motors, where he swept the showroom floor and convened executive meetings to announce his retirement, much to his parents' surprise. He then joined Conrad Building Center, nominating himself as president. The owner, John McFarland, enjoyed birthday beverages courtesy of Chad, unknowingly charged to John at the local co-op. Later, Chad moved to Frontline Ag, believing his business management skills could be further utilized. During this time, he ordered farm equipment and charged it to his dad, with the Wheelers sending invoices to Glen.

Conrad residents will fondly remember Chad's smiling face at local businesses, often adorned with hats, shirts, gloves, coats, and pens from these establishments, some gifted and some simply taken. As a devoted Conrad Cowboys fan, Chad was named an honorary coach for the football team, an honor that filled him with immense pride, despite his headset being turned off. He was also a fixture at the Lion’s Club Whoop Up breakfast, and his contributions to the yearly Whoop Up rodeo earned him a beautiful belt buckle and an impressive collection of cowboy hats.

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Chad attended many local churches and nominated himself to the boards of several, always welcomed with open arms by the gracious Conrad church community. Despite his involvement with local businesses, sports, and churches, Chad’s greatest love was farming with his Dad. His proudest times were riding with his Dad to inspect crops in the “Me N Chad” pickup. He made sure his sisters knew he was Dad’s #1 son.

Chad is preceded in death by his father, Glen Baker. Chad is survived by his precious mother, Lillian Baker, who took the gift of being Chad’s mom as her greatest blessing. He is also survived by his three sisters Brenda (Kenny) Slezak, Kelly (Joe) McMillen, and Nichole (Kelly) Widhalm.

A Story Sharing hour was held on Monday, September 25th at 6:30 pm at Conrad High School Auditorium. Funeral service was held Tuesday, September 26th at 4:00 pm at the Conrad High School Auditorium.

Jonathon "Chad" Baker (1971-2024)

Jonathon "Chad" Baker, a beloved son of Nashville, Tennessee, and cherished friend to many, passed away on December 20, 2024, in Dickson, Tennessee. Born on October 13, 1971, Chad's life was a tapestry woven with love for animals and the joys of nature.

His warm heart embraced all creatures great and small, as he was never seen without his dog or cat by his side, and they reciprocated his affection. Chad had a zest for life that was infectious. Known for his spirit, he found his happiest moments exploring Gatlinburg. He loved the camaraderie found in the game of disc golf, where laughter and friendly competition united him with his friends. Each game was an opportunity for joy.

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He also had a life long love for Notre Dame Sports no matter who they were playing or what sport. Chad is preceded in death by Grand Parents, Austin and Louise Baker, William and Gail Moore, Uncle William "Pee Wee" Moore, Cousin Stacy Tipping. Chad is survived by his parents, Larry and Debra Baker; brother, Brian Baker (Candace) Daughter Ericka Baker.

Chad's services were a testament to the love and memories he created throughout his life. A graveside service was held at Harpeth Hills Memory Garden, Funeral Home, & Cremation Center in Nashville on December 31, 2024, beginning at 12:30 PM, where family and friends gathered to honor his memory. Following this, all who knew and loved him were invited to celebrate his life at The Pavilion at Harpeth from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Though he may have departed this world, the imprint of his kindness towards animals, his laughter during disc golf games, and his awe at the beauty of Gatlinburg will forever be in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Chad O’Neil Baker (1967-2025)

Chad O’Neil Baker, age 58, passed away on September 6, 2025, following a sudden illness. Born on June 8, 1967, in Grand Junction, Colorado, he was the son of the late Bill Baker and Mary Baker.

Chad built a successful career as a master carpenter. He took great pride in his work and loved helping people. Over the years, he worked for several companies across Colorado, California, and Texas, but for the majority of his career, he was self-employed. He specialized in remodeling projects and also built homes and log cabins from the ground up. A perfectionist, he valued doing things the right way. He especially enjoyed experiencing the final reveals with clients and ensuring they were well cared for.

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Chad carried these values into his personal life as well. He enjoyed helping others and was willing to extend a hand whenever he could. He loved being outdoors including hiking and “kicking rocks” as he called it, camping, fishing, and kayaking. He cherished trips to Lake Powell, where he would waterski, go tubing, and jump off cliffs into the water with his sons. In recent years, he developed a love for gardening. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends the most.

Chad was friendly, outgoing, and quite the jokester. He loved to have fun. Those who knew him can still hear his laughter and will always remember him calling everyone Cap, Chief or Lady. He was always smiling, always laughing, and always making sure no one felt left out. Hardworking and devoted, he cared deeply for his family.

Chad was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas “Bill” Baker, grandparents, Dale and Westa Lewis. He is survived by his mother, Mary Baker; Richard “Butch” Haines (Celia); brother, Nick Baker (Julie); former spouse of 30 years, Robyn Baker; his children, William Baker, Alyssa Bueno (Justin), Zachary Baker, and Hannah Baker; his five beloved grandchildren; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins to whom he remained very close.

There will be no services.

Chad E. Baker (1971-2020)

Chad E. Baker, age 48, of Onalaska, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. He was born July 10, 1971, in Viroqua.

Chad graduated from Kickapoo Area Schools where he was actively involved in athletics and known to his fellow classmates for being the class clown. He obtained a degree in Audio/Video Communications from Western Technical College in La Crosse. Chad worked for the city of Marshfield as the local TV Access director for several years where he was able to enjoy motorcycles, travel with the company, and create friendships. He was a skilled CNC machine operator at S&S and later became employed by Fastenal followed by APN.

He married, now ex-wife, Amy Gumz on November 4th, 1995. Together, they created Chad’s pride and joy - his children Austin, Dalton, and Mikalah. He was able to teach each of them to swim, played games with them, watched them in their activities, and loved going to restaurants and movies with them. He was proud of each of them every time they were able to accomplish a personal goal, no matter how small or large. Seeing them happy brought joy to his life.

Chad was a devoted Christian and spent many hours reading and studying the Bible at home, in church and with a variety of groups. He attended First Free and more recently Bethany Evangelical Free Church in Onalaska. He helped in the worship and tech teams of both churches and loved the relationships he developed during his time there.

Chad had several family and friends that he messaged on a routine basis. Often times he would send a picture and say “Have a great day!” His heart was huge and kind. He talked whole heartedly to everyone, he was honest and trusted that all people were kind. Some messages were running conversations that lasted daily, weekly or randomly over many years. Chad was loved by many.

He is survived by his three children Austin, Dalton, and Mikalah; his parents William and Julienne Baker; his sister Amy (Hugh) Oliver; his former wife Amy Simpson; his nieces Brianna, Becca, Emma, Abby, Annabelle and great-niece Charlotte; and his best friend Toni Smith. Chad will join his grandparents Ellsworth and Opal Baker, Emmett and Eunice Maybee in eternal life.

Due to the national pandemic, a private service was held for immediate family members.

Name Date of Birth Date of Death Location
Chad Allen Baker August 10, 1974 September 18, 2023 Conrad, Montana
Jonathon "Chad" Baker October 13, 1971 December 20, 2024 Dickson, Tennessee
Chad O’Neil Baker June 8, 1967 September 6, 2025 Grand Junction, Colorado
Chad E. Baker July 10, 1971 April 13, 2020 Onalaska

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