Brock Baker, 86, was born June 1, 1939, to Hartman and Frances (Householder) Baker in Peabody, Kansas. He joined two sisters, Judy (Baker) Fife and Pattie (Baker) Tempel.

Brock loved the outdoors and gathered most of his early education while fishing and hunting, instead of caring about school and completing his classwork. After high school, he attended Baker University, followed by the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science, becoming a very dedicated and successful student and a licensed funeral director.

Brock met Sheryl Thornton at Peabody High School, but their relationship did not start until a few years later when they ran into each other at Gateway Sporting Goods in Wichita, Kan. Brock was working for Downing Mortuary while Sheryl was employed by the Wichita Chamber of Commerce. Sheryl remembers that they often rode bicycles through Riverside Park. The couple was married on November 23, 1963. In 1964, they took over the Baker family businesses. Brock was the third-generation owner of Baker Funeral Home, which was originally started in Peabody by his grandfather. The business expanded under Brock and Sheryl's management with branches currently located in Valley Center (Kan.) and Wichita. Baker Furniture and Carpet is also part of the Baker legacy. The original building was located on Peabody's main street for 112 years until the move to Newton, Kan., in 2009.

As they acquired land, Brock began farming and, over the years, grew various crops. He also raised or fed cattle for many years. Brock was an avid reader, especially studying stocks, the market, and investing. He was able to spend many hours on his phone conducting business, even as his health began to decline. Brock bravely dealt with cardiac issues, followed by a battle with cancer. In January, Brock was unable to stay in his home and was moved into an assisted living facility.

On February 3, 2026, Brock died peacefully at the Harry Hynes Hospice in Wichita, surrounded by family sharing memories of time spent with Brock.

A private service was held on Friday, Febuary 6, at Baker Funeral Home in West Wichita, Kansas