Lance Kyle Baker
Lance Kyle Baker passed away on February 2, 2024 at the age of 32 after a nearly 10 year battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded with love by his mother, father, sister, and brother at the time of his passing. Lance was born in St. Louis, MO on May 23, 1991. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, J.L. and Emma Bohannon, his paternal grandfather, Kenneth Baker, and his cousin Michael McDowell.
Lance is survived by his mother, Donna Baker, his father, Kraig Baker, his sister, Lane (Steven) Bryant, his brother, Landan (Kate) Baker, and his paternal grandmother, Alice Baker. Lance was a beloved uncle and made a lasting impact on his niece, Lola Baker, his nephew, George Baker, and his niece, Blaire Byrant. He will also be lovingly remembered as a dear nephew, cousin, and friend.
Lance was an avid sports fan and spent countless hours playing and watching various sports. He was the king of stats and a Fantasy Football prodigy. He especially loved to watch football and the NBA. Like his dad and brother, Lance rooted for the Celtics from day one. Lance was also a political enthusiast and watched or listened to political commentary in the absence of a sporting event.
Lance received a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Missouri and began working as an IT Recruiter following graduation. During his time at Mizzou, Lance was a member of Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity where he made lifelong friends and countless memories.
Lance was a gifted musician and music was a focal point of his life. He was a phenomenal drummer and served in the praise band at church. He also began playing in a band with friends beginning in middle school. His high school band, The Baboonz, evolved and continued on to play regularly at various venues in Columbia and St. Louis.
Lance was cool, funny, goofy, laid back, and the absolute most fun. He was also so incredibly kind, loving, and empathetic. And so very inclusive. He was friends with and touched people of all walks of life like only he could do. He was such a light in this world and so much of that was due to his faith in Jesus Christ, including the joyfulness that he so consistently exuded.
A memorial service honoring and celebrating Lance will be held on February 7, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
The Gathering
2360 McCausland Avenue
Saint Louis, Missouri 63143
The visitation will immediately precede the service from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Louis Children’s Hospital or Evelyn’s House (BJC Hospice).
Lance was an amazing young man and he will be truly missed. ❤️
Such a kind soul. He will be missed.
Our sincere and deepest sympathy. I remember he and Matt being friends through high school. He was such a great young man. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Lance was awesome. So funny and kind. Always a great time to be around. The world is robbed of a really great person but he provided enough laughter and happiness for more than a lifetime.
Donna, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved son. He sounds like a wonderful man and greatly loved. We know our Savior is enjoying his presence. I pray for the comfort for you and your family that only Jesus can give.
Donna, Kraig, Lane and Landan and families, and Alice, we weep with you for your loss, and rejoice with you for Lance’s gain, and Pray for you and all who loved the very special man that Lance was. What a gentle, living soul, with such a beautiful smile that lit up the room. May God fill you all with His Peace and Love as you find a new normal.
Lance was one of those young men that you never forget—an all around wonderful personality and a super “good soul” to go with it! We are all sharing the love he offered so freely with his family.❤️
Lance was my student/athlete. never did a day go by when he wouldn’t make me laugh. He was a shining light, not only as an athlete, but as a musician. One of my favorite things to do was to drive up to MIZZOU and listen to him drum away in the band. My heart aches for the Baker family. They are as strong as any people I know. Lance was a warrior and battled to the very end.He will be missed by everyone. My love and heartfelt sympathy to all. His life was short but it was a life well lived. Till we meet again dear Lance.
There never really is a “good” time to end our Earthly journey; and words seem to become so very inadequate at these times, too. As we look forward to days we hoped would be joyous celebrations, sometimes they become diminished – or even ominous – by a loss in our lives. But I just wanted to let you know that you are loved … and you and your whole family are in my daily “talks” and thoughts – and will never be forgotten.
Lance had such a calming, yet zestful, life perspective. He always had such a warm and comforting smile – welcoming everyone he met into his world. He also would give one an impish grin – one which drew people to him, and wanting to know “what’s up, Lance ?” He had that wonderful, inviting, kind, caring, personality. And, it was obvious that he dearly loved you, Donna – you could see it in his eyes that he cared for you so very deeply. Jesus continually tells us to “fear not” – if anyone exuded that exhortation, it was Lance. All of these things (and more) made Lance the wonderful soul that he is. This is the loving legacy that will live on forever in our hearts and minds. He truly was a phenomenal blessing from God.
Our faith tells us that this “life bump” is something all of us will overcome – God is with you, and will always be there for you … giving you strength, and now caring for Lance in Heaven. And Lance is patiently waiting … walking with Jesus … talking with our Christ … making music with Christ in a heavenly chorus … encouraging you to “don’t worry, I’m fine” … and lovingly watching over you. Lance is whole again, and with the greatest company of all.
In Christian love and sympathy for you.
My son was a KA fraternity brother of Lance’s – one pledge class behind. He was so helpful and kind and gracious to my son and I always truly appreciated that! He made my son feel welcomed at the fraternity and truly helped him along the way.during his college years. I had the good fortune of meeting Lance and hanging out with him several times during my weekend visits to Mizzou to see a game or hang with my son. What a great kid. I always truly and wholeheartedly enjoyed his company!!! Continued Thoughts and prayers for the family, God Bless.
I worked at a bar in Columbia that he always played at. He was an amazing, talented, kind person who was friends with everyone. I am so sorry that he is gone, he will be missed and so glad he touched so many lives.
I’m so very very sad for all of u…I remember Lance as a young boy at Geggie Elementary hanging around his mom Donna the music teacher…my daughter Amy always said Donna was her all time favorite teacher …my deepest sympathy to all🙏🙏🙏