Earl F. Baker
Born November 20, 1938 in Parker City Indiana to Wilfred and Glea Baker, Earl grew up in Indiana. Before finishing high school, he joined the US Air Force and served during the Korean War. He later enlisted with the US Navy Sea Bees and served during the Vietnam War. Earl had nearly 15 years of active duty with the military when he was injured, becoming a Disabled American Veteran. During his years of service, he received several commendations, awards and medals including a bronze star and a gallantry cross.
In 1974, after he was discharged in Washington state, Earl was driving home to Indiana when his pick-up broke down in Helena. He was forced to stay a couple days which was enough time for him to know this is where he wanted to live.
In 1982 he met and married his forever wife Jan. They built a life together filled with fun and adventure traveling, boating, largemouth bass fishing, camping and snowmobiling. Earl also enjoyed woodworking, Nascar races, the Masonic Lodge and his best dog Rambo (“Bo”).
In the past few years, Earl’s health declined and he was also compromised by Frontal-Temporal Dementia. The dementia impacted him enough that he needed to reside in Elkhorn Nursing Home in Clancy. He received great care there and great care with the VA at Fort Harrison.
Early Sunday morning June 12, 2016, Earl left his earthly body to head to the finest fishing spot where the bass are plentiful and biting.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Tamara Baker and niece Kathy Vaughn. He is survived by his wife Jan; sister Kathryn (Bill) Kellams; daughter Laura (Alan) Hughes, son Jeff Baker; grandchildren Desiree Metzger, Alex Hughes, Emrick Baker; nieces Teresa, Patricia, Connie, Julia, nephew Jay and their families.
A military and masonic service will be held later this summer at the Fort Harrison Veterans cemetery.
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Vicki Hernly Johnson says
Wish I had known that a cousin lived so close! I am Vicki Hernly Johnson (Virgil Hernly’s daughter) and have lived in Livingston MT since 1994 and in the Flathead from ’73 to ’94. I would have visited had I known you were so close. So sorry for your loss!
Roxianne Verworn says
Jan and Family-
I am so sorry for your loss. I feel so privileged to have known and worked with Earl at Home Depot. He was one of the few bright spots there. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Roxianne Verworn