Dr. Ronald P. Baker

Dr. Ron Baker, 76, of Berrien Springs, Mich., passed from this world to be with his Lord on Friday, March 10, 2023.

Ron had the wonderful privilege of growing up in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where his parents were serving as United Brethren in Christ (UBC) missionaries. In 6th grade, at KRMS missionary boarding school, he committed his life to Jesus Christ. He was able to immerse himself in the local language and culture, which would serve him well when he came back as an adult to serve as a missionary doctor at Mattru UBC Hospital. Being one of only a few white men who were fluent in Mende, the local language, he was greatly respected. The locals were also drawn to him and his family due to the love of Christ demonstrated to them.

He previously graduated from Huntington College (where he met his wife, Jane) and from Indiana University Medical School. After serving for 16 years in Sierra Leone, he and his family returned to the USA. He joined Southwestern Medical Clinic in Stevensville, Mich., where he delivered the same compassionate care for the next 30 years.

Ron’s motto was “Work Hard. Play Hard.” He loved to share his passion for hunting and fishing, mentoring many in the craft. Ron was very active at Berrien Center Bible Church. Most importantly, throughout his life he made it a priority to share his faith with countless people in the US and overseas.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. DeWitt and Evelyn Baker; and his younger brother, Norman.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Jane; daughter, Jennifer and Gary Powell; son, Jeff and Jane Baker; daughter, Julie and Josh Willard; grandchildren: Luke, Alexis, Landon, Ethan, Madelynn, Grant, Philip, Sophie and two foster granddaughters; as well as sister, Joyce and Tom Hewitt; and sister, Annette and Dan Shepherdson.

He also leaves behind many, many friends who have benefited from his companionship, mentoring, encouragement, always positive attitude and even his goofy jokes. We all greatly miss him, though the deer and fish population of Berrien County won’t.

His family wishes to thank all the extended family, friends and church members who helped to care for Ron in his last weeks.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Berrien Center Bible Church, 8830 M-140, Berrien Center. Celebration of Life will also be at Berrien Center Bible Church at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 18, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Berrien Springs. Messages and memories may be shared online at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Huntington University (huntington.edu) , UB Global (ubglobal.org) or Berrien Center Bible Church (berriencenter.church).