HOLTON – PFC Cody G. Baker, 19, of Holton died August 3, 2011 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Cody was born on November 23, 1991 in Topeka, KS. He was the son of Gilbert O. and Candice L. Ferguson Baker, Jr.
Cody graduated from Holton High School in 2010. He joined the US Army in February 2010. During his 1 ½ years of military service he received numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the NATO Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He had attended Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton.
Cody is survived by his mom, Candy Baker (Mike) McManigal of Holton; maternal grandmother, Sharon Ferguson of Leavenworth, KS; paternal grandfather, Jack McManigal of Holton; brother, Ryan L. (Ashley) Baker of Mayetta, KS; sisters, Hillary (Jessie) Goetz of Gardner, KS and Danielle (Brad) Alley of Holton; brothers, Nick (Karri) Baker of Gardner, KS, Ryan A. Baker of Independence, MO and Jordan McManigal of Emporia, KS; his girlfriend and best friend Chelsie Moore of Holton, KS and 7 nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2011 at Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton. Burial with full military honors will follow in Holton Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Friday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the Cody Baker Scholarship Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.