BAKER – Dewitte was called home by our heavenly father on May 24, 2019, he was 59 years old. Dewitte was born in Durango, CO to Lula Sage Baker and Randolph S. Baker on September 16, 1959. He was a member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and a veteran of the Armed Forces.
Dewitte joined the Army and was called to duty on June 27, 1978. He served in the 8th Infantry and was also a Calvary Scout. He received many medals and commendations and served his country with pride and was honorably discharged on March 24, 1984.
Dewitte went on to further his education. He received an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Pueblo Community College, Occupational Proficiency Certificate in Colorado Law Enforcement Training at Colorado Mountain College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Fort Lewis College to name a few.
Dewitte’s next call to service was from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. He served two terms on the Tribal Council alongside his brother Howard.
Following in his father’s footsteps he went into Law Enforcement. He was a Police Officer and a Southern Ute Fish and Game Officer. He shared that honor with his brother Howard who was a Town of Ignacio Police Officer and William who was a Tribal Police Officer while serving as a Fish and Game Officer. He trained new cadets at the Indian Police Academy 57 in Marana, Arizona.
Dewitte is survived by his wife Carol, son Kevin and daughter Amanda; brothers, Randy Baker Sr. and Howard Richards Sr.; sister, Glenda Richards, all of Ignacio. He is proceeded in death by his parents Lula and Randolph Baker; sisters, Selma Baker Winder, Virginia Sage and Arlene (Arla) Baker and brothers, William Richards Sr. and Dewayne Baker.
Dewitte loved attending Rockies and Broncos games, rain, shine or snow he and his children were always there.
Dewitte was a very caring, humble, loving, strong, hardworking, knowledgeable man. His sense of humor was truly one of a kind. He could teach a lesson with the least amount of words as possible. Dewitte was a simple man and always made sure his loved ones came first. He taught his children right from wrong, took them outdoors and taught them about the reservation from the wildlife and laws to the boundary lines.
While he served as a councilman for the tribe, his kids experienced the political views of their father.
Gambling was a passion of his; before he would go, he would say, “I’m going to get the miracle.”
If you’ve ever been in his house, you would know Dewitte was a perfectionist and had to have everything organized and clean. He would enjoy going to classic rock concerts with his daughter Amanda. The biggest concert they went to took place in Denver, where they watched the Eagles band perform live at the Pepsi Center.
His son Kevin and he had a bond that only they shared while attending sporting events or simply going for a ride or road trip.
With all these memories, his family played a role in every aspect of his life. Dewitte made many friends over the years and loved his family dearly. Although he will be greatly missed, he will remain in our hearts forever!!
Rosary was recited Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Ignacio. A mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday May 30, 2019. Both were held at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church.
A Military Graveside service will be performed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4031, at the Ignacio Cemetery West. Meal followed at St. Ignatius Parish Hall.