Chad Baker

 On September 18, 2023 our beloved son, brother, and uncle Chad Allen Baker died peacefully surrounded by his family and joined his adored Dad in heaven. Chad was born on August 10, 1974 to Glen and Lil Baker in Conrad, Montana. From an early age, Chad grabbed the hearts of all who met him.

Chad’s fan club began with his career in Special Olympics. His family traveled across the state to watch him perform, and were so blessed by the attention he received from strangers who simply wanted to meet him and get one of his hugs. When Chad “retired” from Special Olympics he became a self-proclaimed executive at several businesses. Chad’s first foray into the business world was at Van Motors. In addition to sweeping the showroom floor, he felt he had the authority to call a meeting of the executives (which they attended) to announce his retirement. This retirement came as a surprise to his parents.

Chad then began his career at Conrad Building Center, quickly nominating himself president of the company. The actual owner, John McFarland enjoyed birthday beverages from Chad, which had been unknowingly charged to John across the street at the co-op. From the Building Center, Chad moved on to Frontline Ag, where he felt his business management skills could also be utilized. During this time the “farm boss” ordered several large pieces of farm equipment and charged them to his dad. The Wheelers and crew were gracious enough to send home invoices for Glen.

Conrad residents will remember Chad’s smiling face at many local businesses. No one will be able to forget how Chad dressed himself from head to toe with hats, shirts, gloves, coats, and pens from these establishments. Some of these were given to him, and some were just taken. We are certain local stores added to their yearly budgets to account for the extra gear Chad wore and loved so much.

Chad was a die-hard Conrad Cowboys fan, being named an honorary coach for the football team (despite having his headset turned off) gave him so much pride. Chad was a fixture at the Lion’s Club Whoop Up breakfast and his contributions to the yearly Whoop Up rodeo earned him a beautiful belt buckle as well as an impressive collection of cowboy hats.

Chad attended many local churches for many years. As usual, he nominated himself to the boards of several churches in town. Of course, the gracious people of the Conrad church community welcomed him with open arms. However, there were many Sundays when Chad’s parents weren’t aware of which church he was attending because he was very skilled at sneaking out the front door unnoticed.

Despite his involvement with local businesses, sports, and churches, Chad’s greatest love was farming with his Dad. His proudest times were riding with his Dad to inspect crops in the “Me N Chad” pickup. He made sure his sisters knew he was Dad’s #1 son. The memories about Chad will go on and on, and his family asks that his friends add their stories to “A Story of Chad Baker” Facebook page so these moments can be cherished forever.

Chad is preceded in death by his father, Glen Baker. Chad is survived by his precious mother, Lillian Baker, who took the gift of being Chad’s mom as her greatest blessing. He is also survived by his three sisters Brenda (Kenny) Slezak, Kelly (Joe) McMillen, and Nichole (Kelly) Widhalm. Chad was also proud to be “Uncle Chad” to the following nieces and nephews: Lyndsey (Joe), Sydney (Eric), Tyler (Erica), Parker (Chyanna), Gavinn, Payton (Dylan) and five great nieces and nephews.

A Story Sharing hour will be held on Monday, September 25^th at 6:30 pm at Conrad High School Auditorium. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 26^th at 4:00 pm at the Conrad High School Auditorium. Reception at Conrad Shooting Sports Club to follow service.

Memorials can be made to the Conrad Football Bleacher Fund, PO Box 777, Conrad, MT 59425.