SEN. BRANDON SMITH, KENTUCKY SENATE
HONORS FORMER SEN. NICK BAKER
Senate recognizes a legacy of service and a law that changed opportunities for generations of Kentucky girls
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 27, 2026) — The Senate on Thursday adopted Senate Resolution 174, filed and sponsored by Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, honoring the life and legacy of former state Sen. Henry Nicholas “Nick” Baker and recognizing his lasting impact on communities across the commonwealth.
The resolution highlights Baker’s service in the Kentucky Senate from 1970 to 1978 and his decades-long legal career, as well as his deep commitment to family, faith and public service.
A native of Hazard who later made Louisville his home, Baker served his state both in uniform and in office. He joined the U.S. Army in 1959 and continued in the reserves until 1965 before building a 50-year career in law.
During his time in the Senate, Baker introduced Senate Bill 73, legislation that required schools receiving state funds for men’s basketball to establish programs for women. The measure restored girls basketball to Kentucky high schools after more than four decades and expanded access to education and opportunity for young women across the state.
“Senator Baker saw something that needed to change and he did something about it,” said Smith. “Because of that one decision, girls across Kentucky got the chance to play, to compete and to build a future they might not have had otherwise. That is a legacy that still shows up in gyms and communities all over this state.”
The resolution also recognizes Baker’s lifelong faith, his service to Calvary Episcopal Church in Louisville and his devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan Henen Baker, their children, grandchildren and extended family.
Smith and the Senate adopted the resolution formally expressing their sympathy and honoring a life that left a lasting mark on Kentucky.