Kelsey Charles Baker

July 13, 1956 ~ February 23, 2024
Born in:
Melbourne, Florida
Resided in:
Lawrenceville, Georgia
On Friday, February 23, 2024, Kelsey Charles Baker, devoted husband and fierce friend, passed away at age 67. Kelsey grew up in Cocoa Beach, FL, where he learned his love of the sea.
He was an early fisherman and surfer before earning an associate’s degree in journalism. He then joined the Navy, where he attended nuclear power school and devoted 20 years to the submarine service, retiring as a machinist mate first class in 1999. Kelsey was a lover of history, reading, and sea shanties. He was eager to learn the stories and history of all he encountered. He was an adventurous diner and tourist of historic landmarks during his many travels. He spent vacation time each year volunteering at sea music festivals, gathering with friends, and enjoying the music.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years and soulmate, Karen (Riccio) Baker. He is also survived by his brother, John H. Baker, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Edward J. Baker and Bernice (Hattervig) Baker.
Visitation will be held at Wages & Sons Funeral Home, 1031 Lawrenceville Highway Lawrenceville, GA 30046, on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 10:00 AM, with the memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held at Georgia National Cemetery at 3:00PM on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. In lieu of cat-friendly flowers, donations to the Connecticut Sea Music Festival at https://ctseamusicfest.org/donate and the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/ are appreciated.
Services
Visitation: March 2, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-277-4550
Memorial Service: March 2, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-277-4550
Interment: March 6, 2024 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Georgia National Cemetery
1080 Scott Hudgens Dr.
Canton, GA 30114
770-479-9300

God is with you my sweet friend in harmony and Coley met Kelsey and they are sharing stories!
Thank you. He spoke highly of you and enjoyed working with you.
I shared many a conversation with Kelsey about firearms, weapons, war, history, travel and mischief. Best wishes through this time of loss, Kelsey was a great guy.
He was a regular at The Gris and The Sea Music Festival.
His presence will always be felt in those places he added to so cheerfully. 💕🎶
– makakapagpahinga ka na mahal kong kaibigan
Kelsey was always amazing with a story, and a cup of coffee, very patient and humble I never heard him raise his voice or saw him angry. We were on a unit inspection back in the day, and he crawled out first of the inspection area and when I came out behind him, he already had a cup of coffee in hand. Kelsey, God bless your spirit. Amen
May God comfort at this time of loss.