Earl L. Baker

Earl Lawrence Baker, the oldest child of Stephen Lawrence and Victoria (Cooper) Baker was born in Leon, Iowa on April 20, 1924. He entered into eternal rest on November 26, 2012 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Earl was a 1942 graduate of Decatur High School. Upon graduation he immediately enlisted in the United States Army, serving in World War II from 1942-1945. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Fort Lewis, Washington and served his country in France, England, Belgium, Germany, Japan and the Philippines; one of only 30,000 soldiers to serve in both Europe and Japan. Upon his return to the United States he made his home in Leon for a short time before settling in Shenandoah where he worked as a parts manager for Miller Tractor and later for Madsen International; a career that spanned more then 25 years. It was during this time that he was honored with the International Harvester "Best Parts Man in Southwest Iowa" award. Prior to is retirement in 1990 he was employed at Eaton Corporation for 16 years. Soon after arriving in Shenandoah he met the love of his life, Alma Darlene Rine. The couple was united in marr...[more]

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e on August 19, 1947 Earl and Darlene were marriage for over 58 years when Darlene passed away in 2005. The couple was blessed with three children; Linda, Connie and Dennis. Besides spending time with his family he enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, reading westerns, doing word search puzzles, square dancing and attending church. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Shenandoah, the American Legion and also served on the Amory Board. He served as Quartermaster for the VFW for many years, and he and Darlene were past Vice-Presidents of the Sidney Dude and Dolls Square Dance Club for 3 years. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, wife Darlene, two sisters Bernice Curtright and Pauline McCullough, and other family members. Those left to honor his memory include his daughters Linda Phillips and Connie Gibson and husband George; son and caregiver Dennis Baker; two grandchildren Joni Kalkas and husband Kip and Scott Baker and wife Kate; two great-grandchildren Cyndee Nichole Kalkas and Kallee Jo Kalkas; brother Vyrle Baker and wife Margaret; two sisters Fern Salas and husband Pete and LaVerne Willis and husband Jack; sister-in-law Helen Glaze and husband Dane; his favorite cat Blackie; other relative and a host of friends. Earl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved the Lord and was a devout Christian man. He had a very outgoing personality and never knew a stranger. He was an exceptionally good joke teller and had an awesome sense of humor. He will be truly missed by all who loved him and he will forever have a special place in our hearts.