BAKER – Mitchell T. Baker, 55 of Durango, CO was born Dec. 2, 1959 to father Clem E. Baker and mother Mercedes Rock. Mitch, as he was known, passed away at his home Nov. 24. Just 8 days shy of his 56th birthday.

Mitchell grew up on the Southern Ute reservation in Ignacio where he attended and graduated from Ignacio High School.

He worked along side his dad building fences for the Southern Ute tribe.

He also worked for the Colorado Department of Transportation for 9 years. He then worked for Custom Farm for a period of time and eventually started his own company Lance Contracting where he was subcontractor with the Red Willow Operations in Ignacio CO, and after a period of time Mitch retired.

Mitch loved his wife, kids and grand-kids and his beloved rottweiler dogs.

He was an avid Denver Broncos fan and never missed a game at home or in person. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. He had a true talent as an artist. He could draw many things including anime, portraits and he sculpted animals from clay. He really could get lost in his music and had an extensive collection of rock and roll vinyl records, which he took pride in.

Mitch had a good sense of humor and could make you laugh at anything. You could always find him in the kitchen cooking for his family.

He touched all with his sense of humor and will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife Ellen M. Baker; son Alex Baker of Durango; daughter April Baker of Durango; three grandchildren who were very dear to him Allisianna Baker, Lance Baker and Marie Baker; sisters Melanie and Maya Baker of Ignacio; nephews Ryan Cook of Ignacio and Arden Baker of Ignacio; nieces Tanya Baker and Catherine Baker both of Ignacio; and numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father Clem E. Baker, mother Mercedes Rock and brother Matthew Lance Baker.
A service and reception was held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015 in Ignacio, CO.