A Man of Character, A Man of Honor, A Silent Pillar of Strength, A Man with a Heart of Kindness, always willing to serve. These are the values on which Allen built his life before he went to his home forever on November 19, 2025.
Beloved Husband, Dad, and Grandpa, Edward “Allen” Baker was born in Farmington, PA, on December 27, 1948, to Edward & Lulu Kathryn Baker. He joined four older sisters on that December day, being the youngest of five and the last male to carry on the Baker name.
When Allen was five, the family moved to Montana and settled into a home on E. Boardman Street, just below the Kelley mine. Butte would then become his forever home here on Earth. In Allen’s mind and heart, there would be no other place to live.
After graduating from Butte High School in 1967, Allen enlisted in the United States Army and served two tours as a medic in the 44th Medical Brigade, stationed in Cu Chi, Vietnam. As a Specialist E-5, he had an honorable discharge in 1971. Throughout his life, there were many unspoken words about his wartime experiences in the Medical Unit. However, during his time there, he faithfully wrote letters to Kathy Heath of Butte, who would later become his wife of 52 years, after she graduated from college in 1973. Together, they had three girls: Kendra, Kara, and Kareen, who later resulted in six cherished Grandchildren.
Allen was a hard worker. He began his first job at the Finland Hotel while in high school and later earned his LPN license from Warm Springs in 1974. He worked at The Butte Silver Bow Hospital and spent 26 years in the Environmental Service Department at St. James Hospital. Keeping his LPN up to date, he later retired from the Military Entrance Processing Station, also known as “Butte MEPS.”
Allen loved to socialize and considered everyone a friend. He was known for his kindness and generosity, reflected in both his actions and words. Even a quick trip to town became a social event; you knew it wouldn’t be just a few minutes, as Allen always enjoyed engaging with others. He participated in many bowling leagues and softball teams, and he coached his daughters’ basketball teams. His involvement in his daughters’ activities was evident. His community service included membership in Butte Search and Rescue and the United Veterans Council Honor Guard, honoring those who had passed before him. The men and women of the Butte Search and Rescue were like a second family to him; he attended every meeting and event he could. Serving others and his community was his passion, and he always set aside time for conversation—unless he had to be somewhere for his grandchildren, they were his top priority.
Allen loved his three girls and would do anything for them, but when it came to his six grandchildren: Mason, Nethanel, Emma, Bridger, Elyssa, and Charlee, they were the Love of his life, and there was nothing that he wouldn’t do for them. He made sure that he would be there for their events. His Grandchildren were his world; he lived and anticipated the next time he would see them. They were the light of his life. He was so proud of each one of them. He carried an unwavering Love for his family, which was the most important to him. Whether it was a traditional holiday meal, which was a must, or going out fishing, sitting by the water, going on trips, taking an ATV ride, cherry-picking in Flathead, playing cards, or spending time camping, he embraced every journey with joy and love in his heart. He was the foundation upon which his legacy was built.
Allen, in his 50s, was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy, caused by an infection, possibly related to exposure to Agent Orange that he was exposed to while stationed in Vietnam. As the years progressed, he developed other ailments, bulged discs, compressed vertebrae that were inoperable, and his heart became weaker, making it through having Covid, bilateral pulmonary embolisms, and four rounds of chemotherapy. Eventually, his heart wore out. You never heard him complain; he kept a smile on his face and tackled any problem head-on. He was resilient and humble; his positive outlook and attitude kept him going.
He died doing what he loved most: watching his grandchild play basketball. Nothing would have stopped him. That afternoon, as he fell to his knees and took his last breath, he opened his eyes and was free of pain and was in the presence of Jesus. He was not a regular churchgoer, but he loved God. His actions serve as a testament and example of the servants we are called to be. He did not know or expect he would die that day; he always thought he would make it to 84, but he was ready anytime. As he often said, “You will live…until you die.”
How do you summarize A Great Man’s life on a single sheet of paper? You don’t. Those who knew him and loved Him will carry his memories with them. He led by example; He was Patient, but most importantly, He was A Man of Integrity.
We will all miss him as we carry his memories in our own special ways, we will remember the best times, the laughter and the songs. The Good Life he lived while he was strong.
“Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come:” Ecclesiastes 9:12a
He is survived by his wife: Kathy Baker; daughters, Kendra Baker-Keener (Joe Keener), Kara Baker-Walsh (Steve Walsh), Kareen Baker-Newgard (DJ Newgard); Brad Sparks; Sisters, Alice Bowman and Doris Clifton; Grandchildren, Mason Newgard, Nethanel Keener, Emma Sparks, Bridger Newgard, Elyssa Sparks, and Charlee Walsh; as well as numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and sisters- and brothers-in-law. He is also survived by his good friend from second grade, Lee McDermott.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lulu Kathryn Baker; his sisters, Lea Sheppard and Lou Surplis; his brothers-in-law; and many other relatives.
Special Thanks:
St James Cancer Treatment Center, VA Staff, Dr. Terry of Billings, East Junior High Staff and Volunteers, All the Paramedics and First Responders of Butte, and a special Thanks to Coach McGurk.
In Lieu of Flowers:
Please consider donations to the Butte Search and Rescue, the United Veterans Council, or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
We invite you all to join us on December 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Journey Church for a Celebration of Edward Allen’s life, with a reception to follow.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Allen and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or a memory of Allen.
Debbie Vingom says
Kareen, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I got to know him as we became neighbors and would visit when we seen each other. Your family is in my thoughts at this difficult time. Debbie Vingom
Tim Hogart says
Sorry to hear about AL.
grew up with him up on the hill
Always a humble, genuine good guy.
Cindy Surplis says
Uncle Allen will be greatly missed. When I was around 7 years old I alway said Uncle Allen I am going too marry you one day.My Uncle was my protector. He said cindy we can’t get married and he set me down and explained to me why, then he said cindy I will always be here for you no matter what and I love you. Oh low I loved my Uncle.
Rest in peace Uncle Allen if you see my mom in heaven please give her a hug from me
Cheryl Difronzo says
Dear Kareen and Family, we’re so sorry for your loss. Yes he was a good listener and certainly a Very Caring person. Lots of baseball back in the day with Tony’s baseball team. You and your sisters are Blessed with him in your life. Always share his caring and compassion. All his grandkids are blessed with lots of memories. Take care Baker Family you’re have a guardian angel always. Love, Cheryl & Tony.
John Lovell says
Al was such a great guy, I will miss our conversations and his humor. Always a pleasure to visit with. May he rest in peace.
Becky Mattila says
I am so sorry to hear about Ed he was a great guy. We had many chats when I worked at the Credit Union. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family 🙏🙏💙
James A Clifton says
Uncle Allen was the best . I’ll miss him .
Ron Kindred says
I had the pleasure of Ed’s friendship from our time @ the hospital. Great man, problem solver, always had a smile. My condolences to his family.
Michael Surplis says
Sorry to hear about Uncle Allen, he sure was a great loving person with a heart of Gold, he will be miss by a lot of people but never forgotten…now he is in heaven with his mom, father and sister that I love and miss so much, but now they are flying high and being the angels God made them to be
Jim Hash says
One of the best men I have ever known! Such an asset to our Search & Rescue group and such a loss for Butte.
Prayers to his family. May God bless you and help you get through this terrible loss.
Prayers!
Jim
Stacy Pettersen says
Baker Family,
My deepest condolences to you all Ed was my boss and a great one at that!! He will truly be missed. Thinking of you all.
Stacy Pettersen