Royce Anthony Baker, age 35, of Poplar and Missoula passed away on Monday May 18, 2009 at his home in Poplar. He was born on February 26, 1974 in Williston, ND to Judy Greufe Brown and Tom Baker, Sr.
Royce brought laughter to all his friends and family. He especially treasured his children, Anthony and Joslynn. In his younger years, he enjoyed serving in the National Guard. He loved his jobs, rangeland firefighting, and writing and producing his own music. He especially enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie on the fireline and at camps. Royce’s passion was his music. He was a gifted guitarist, producer, writer, and arranger. One special achievement was winning the 1991 Battle of the Bands in Wolf Point with his band the Rez Boys. Royce wrote many beautiful songs throughout his life, including many to the Lord, because he knew and believed that Jesus was the Rock on whom he could depend.
Royce is survived by his wife and daughter, Mary and Joslynn of Missoula; son, Anthony of Rapid City, SD; grandparents Harry and Myrna Greufe of Poplar; mother, Judy Greufe Brown of Poplar; father, Tom Baker, Sr. of Kenel, SD; special cousins, Orin and James Alexander of Poplar and Rocky Boy; Aunties, Suzanne (Courtney) Smith of Lewiston, ID; Feryl (John) of Helena; mother in-law, Monica LaRoque of Poplar; cousins from Idaho and Montana: Ryan Alexander, Rose Kohl, Luke Bighorn, John D. Grainger, and Lainie Grainger and numerous nieces and nephews. His surviving siblings from North and South Dakota and Montana are: Lori Karges, Georgi Levering, Jo Bailey, Sina Shaw, Myrtis Baker, Tom Baker Jr., Justin Baker, Jessica Lester, Denver Baker, Kyle Baker, Gigi Baker, Stormy Baker, Travis Windgate, Tucson Baker and Tiffany Baker. Siblings of Crow Agency, MT are: Farrol Baker, Shana Baker and Taylor Baker; his brother Ace Baker of Ft. Hood, TX; and special friends, Richard Vondall, Manny Smith, Chuck Good Shield, Lance Little Bird, Tracy McGowan and Charlie Alloway.
He was preceded in death by his brother and sister, Eric Travis Craft and Sherry Jean Baker and brothers, Richard Abeata-Baker, Tyson Baker and Anthony Baker.
Our beloved Royce, we know Jesus is coming soon and that you are in the everlasting arms safe at home in heaven, beholding our Savior’s face. We love you and can’t wait to see you again in heaven.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2009 at the Poplar Assembly of God Church in Poplar, MT. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2009 also at the Poplar Assembly of God Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Poplar City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point, MT has been entrusted with the arrangements.