Aryon E. Baker

Aryon Elum Baker, Jr., of Nephi, Utah, passed away surrounded by his family on September 26, 2019, at the age of 61 after a short battle with cancer. Aryon (known to his family as Junior), was born in McCurtain, Haskell County, Oklahoma, on August 7, 1958, to Aryon and Ramona Billy Baker. He was the second of eleven children, having graduated from McCurtain High School where he excelled in academics, as well as basketball and baseball. Aryon lived in the moment and was happy just about anywhere he found himself -- He called Utah his home for almost 40 years. He started his career in Utah with the construction of the Leamington cement plant, continuing with each new owner, including Southwestern Portland Cement, Martin Marietta, Ash Grove, and CRH Cement Company. Aryon retired after 36 years of dedicated service on November 1, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, memories, and many lifelong friends. If he wasn’t working, you’d most likely find him on the golf course. He loved the sport and was self-motivated in perfecting his game. He’d share his enthusiasm with just about anyone willing to go for a quick nine. Over the years, golf took him far and wide to play courses all over Utah and beyond. He made some of his very best friends along the way and looked forward to their many trips throughout the year -- especially the ones to Mesquite and Moab. Aryon made a lasting impression on many young athletes by mentoring and coaching them over the years in Little League and Junior Jazz. He earned the love of his community, treating everyone with kindness and respect; which he received back from kids and parents alike. Aryon’s greatest joy and highest honor was being called husband, dad or papa -- he was the ultimate family man who was loved by all. He is survived by his wife of 11 years Lynne, his children: Katie Marie Baker (Jose), Daryl Bronson (Jenny), Tyrel Bronson, and Ashlee Mott (Garrett); his grandchildren: Byron, Dixie, Dallie, and Elijah; his mother, Ramona and seven of his siblings, Joann, Stephanie, Michelle, Tina, Carol, Cheryl, and Jeff, all in the state of Oklahoma. He is preceded in death by his father, Aryon, Sr., and three of his four brothers: Marlin, Ricky, and Terry. Aryon’s time on earth was short, but every moment was well-spent, as he lived his life on his terms, and died knowing that he was loved by many. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. in the Nephi North LDS Stake Center, 1125 North 400 East, in Nephi, where friends may call for viewing Tuesday evening from 6 to 9 P.M. or Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Vine Bluff Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah. The family expresses their thanks to Melissa Olsen and the Hospice team, Dr. Marc Jones and Dr. Marc Nuttall; as well as a special “thank you” to each person who organized and contributed to the fundraising events which brought Aryon to tears, and for which he was so grateful.