ROBERT J. BAKER

Robert Jay Baker, age 89, of Roanoke, IN passed away at 9:20 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2013 at his home with his family by his side. Born on July 7, 1923 in Huntington, IN, Bob was the son of Ira J. and Gertrude J. (Shaefer) Baker.

He was a U.S. Army World War II veteran with the Battery AAA 165th Gun Battalion, serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He married Betty I. Patten on Aug. 2, 1947 in Roanoke at the Methodist parsonage by Rev. G.W. Brunner. He and his wife were lifetime farmers, and he was a member of the American Legion Post 160 in Roanoke. He was a hard worker who maintained his own equipment, built 2 homes, and enjoyed flying his ultralight.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Betty I. Baker of Roanoke; 6 daughters, Jo Ann (Don) Shively of Roanoke, Carol L. (Gerry) Scheurich of Avilla, Mary A. (Roger) Scherer of Hoagland, Patricia A. (Terry) Rhodenbaugh of Roanoke, Sue A. (Steve) Lincoln of LaOtta and Barbara A. (Rick) McMullen of Columbia City; 10 grandchildren; 5 step grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia Holmes of Huntington; and sister-in-law, Cecelia Baker of Huntington.He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Frank Baker.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the funeral home with Pastor Jim Clifford officiating. Burial will follow at Glenwood IOOF, Roanoke, IN. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Baker's memory to Visiting Nurse Hospice Home or Laud Christian Church. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.