Kelsey Charles Baker

kelsey 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

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. CandleImageMy dearest Karen, although we never had the pleasure of meeting Kelsey,we can tell we would have loved him as he shared some of our same passions. Our hearts are with you. May beautiful memories sustain you. With love 👯‍♀️♥️♥️the Heavenly Twins. He will be remembered at the Hymn Sing in Essex in June

  2. CandleImageLove, hugs and prayers!
    God is with you my sweet friend in harmony and Coley met Kelsey and they are sharing stories!

  3. CandleImageWhen Steve introduced me to Karen and Kelsey, they quickly became my friends too. Your family is in my prayers, and I’m thankful to have known Kelsey.

  4. CandleImageKelsey was a wonderful friend who loved Georgia Sensation Chorus and his fellow man intensely! He helped me understand the military better by sharing his naval knowledge with me as it related to the Marine Corps, of which my son is a part. He will be greatly missed.

  5. CandleImageKaren – you are so loved! And I am so sorry about your loss! I met Kelsey only once but loved your stories about him! He sounds as if he lived an amazing life! This is my favorite quote and I think it fits Kelsey well: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.” I would bet you and he shared many of those moments together! Hugs! XO

  6. CandleImageKaren ……… Kelsey was a dedicated employee and friend to many of us that worked at B&W. He spoke of you often and one could tell his love for you ran deep. We will remember his stories. He and I especially enjoyed working at NRG Big Cajun, as the restaurants in Baton Rouge were great. Please take comfort in knowing Kelsey will not be forgotten. He is someone that enjoyed living. God bless his soul.

  7. 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.

  8. CandleImageMy dear friend Kelsey. Eight bells. Far too soon to see you cross over the bar. You’ve been such a good friend and a sounding board for my historical rantings. I am still processing this, and it may take some time for me to accept it. I still have so much to share with you, and will miss your visits back up here. But when my watch is done, I hope to see you again.

  9. CandleImageKelsey was a true gentleman, always supportive, always loving. He shared our passion for Sea Music, history, faraway places, and cats. And coffee!
    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. 💕🎶

  10. CandleImageKelsey was in a league of his own. We worked together at B&W and shared a submariner’s past. He was the most informed man I’ve ever met; he knew at a minimum a little about everything. A joy to talk with. If I ever disagreed with him I’m sure he talked me out of it. He will be missed but not forgotten.

  11. CandleImageI worked with Kelsey in both the Philippines and Vietnam… Everyone on both sites really loved him, he was a very patient teacher and had a great sense of humor! As long as we didnt run out of Diet Coke he was happy! Really a great guy and we all learned a lot from him. He will be sorely missed.

    – makakapagpahinga ka na mahal kong kaibigan

  12. 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

  13. CandleImageA friend of mine pointed out last night that a best friend couple where all parties get along and truly like each other is like a unicorn. Kelsey was a part of that special unicorn for me and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace my wonderful friend🫶

  14. CandleImageDear Karen we are very sorry for your loss. May Kelsey’s memories and everyone else’s memories of him help support you through this difficult time. I love you sweet cousin.


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