Carl E. Baker, M.D. (1949–2026)

Dr. Carl Earl Baker, 76, of Cabool, Missouri, passed away on January 21, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri.

Carl was born in Santa Monica, California, in 1949 to Wylene (Kennon) and Charles Meza Morton. He spent his formative years in his beloved state of Texas before later moving to Nebraska. There, he graduated valedictorian from York High School and went on to attend York College and Harding University, where he majored in chemistry. He earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska–Omaha and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at St. Louis University Hospitals.

Carl practiced internal medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and served with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in rural Georgia, where he was deeply committed to underserved communities. After returning to Missouri, he worked for a St. Louis hospital system in its urgent care clinics.

He later joined the United States Air Force as an Aerospace Medical Physician, fulfilling a lifelong dream of flying, learning languages, and experiencing cultures around the world. After resigning his commission as a Lieutenant Colonel, Doc "Mingo" Baker continued his dedication to public service through active duty with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs, retiring in 2019. During his military service, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, among others, in recognition of his distinguished service.

Throughout his life, Carl was an enthusiastic learner with wide-ranging interests, including nature, languages, acapella singing, musical instruments of all kinds, astronomy, film, and photography. He found great comfort in staying connected to his church family and friends, no matter where he lived. In retirement, he took joy in sharing his interests and passions with everyone he met – but especially his children and grandchildren. To his grandchildren, Opa Carl was known for a pocket full of Necco wafers, $2 bills, audacious stories, and, on occasion, a reptile or other unexpected animal.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Meza-Morton and Wylene (Kennon) Baker; his stepfather, Dr. Elmer Baker; and beloved nephew, Frank Wheeler Jr.

He is survived by his son, Joel Baker, father of Isabelle Baker; his daughter, Melissa (Baker) Swann and her husband, Jaren Swann, parents of Lukas and Leo; his son, Philip Baker; and his sister, Dr. Kathleen Wheeler, and her husband, Dr. Frank Wheeler.