Baker, William Deal - d. 2009

BAKER, DAVIS, FAHRNEY, HOPEWELL, MONTAGUE, WRIGHT

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 7/29/2009 at 21:14:04

RIVERVIEW, Fla. — William Deal Baker, 75, went to be with the Lord on July 13, 2009, after a three year battle with cancer.
He is survived and leaves to honor his life, his wife, Edwina; three children, George Curtis (Debbie) Baker of Plant City, Fla., John Harold Baker of Tampa, Fla., and Carrie Beth (Mark) Montague of Riverview, Fla.; five grandchildren, Matthew, Amanda and Michael Montague and Andrew and Kristin Baker; three brothers, John Charles (Mary Hopewell) of Papillion, Neb., Robert Jerry (Beth) of Norfolk, Neb., James (Rhonda) of Grinnell; two sisters, Beth (Doug) Fahrney of Riverview, Fla., and Mary (Steve) Davis of Houston, Texas; cousin, Mary (Jack) Wright of Newton; fifteen nieces and nephews; and many family and friends in Iowa, Colorado and Florida.
Bill grew up and graduated from high school in Newton. He served in the U.S. Navy and worked for many years in the grocery business at Stockton’s Super Valu. While living in Newton he belonged to St. Luke’s Methodist Church and was a member of the Optimist Club and the Jaycees. He received their Distinguished Service Award in 1968 for his service with youth and to the community and his church.
In 1969, the family moved to Brandon, Fla. Bill began the Lucky Time Pizza business with his brother-in-law, Doug Fahrney. In 1983, they opened the Convenient Food Mart in Tampa, Fla. Bill served as Cub Master at First Methodist Church in Brandon and later as Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster at Limona Village Chapel. He received the Silver Beaver Award for his leadership in scouting. As their leader he planned and enjoyed many camping and canoe trips with the scouts. He organized and led many camping and canoe trips and encouraged many of his scouts to get their Eagle Scout Award.
He retired in 1998 and he and his wife moved to Florissant, Colo. Bill enjoyed the quietness and beauty of the mountains. He always looked forward to the reunions at the Baker Cabin, meeting new friends, and helping the neighbors. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved taking them hiking and camping, sailing, boating, skiing and going to the beach. Most importantly, Bill always attended the sporting and musical events of his grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at Limona Village chapel UMC on Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa or to LifePath Hospice, South Hillsborough, Tampa. Please sign the guestbook at www.TBO.com.
Source: Newton Daily News; Wed., July 22, 2009