Gene William Baker (2012)

BAKER, CUNNINGHAM, RICE, MARINOVICH, KARAS, COOK

Posted By: Shirley Keating (email)
Date: 3/1/2012 at 15:22:53

Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa
February 21, 2012

Gene W. Baker, Urbandale

Gene William Baker, 95, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 18, 2012. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2012, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines, Iowa. A private family burial service will follow at Resthaven Cemetery. 

Gene was born on October 22, 1916 in Larmour, Iowa to Cloyd and Elnora Baker. He was graduated from East Peru High School in Peru, Iowa in 1934. Gene served in the United States Navy during World War II. 

Gene went to work for Furlong Electric in Des Moines, Iowa in 1935. Gene purchased Furlong Electric in 1950, which is now known as Baker Electric. Gene remained the CEO and President for 40 years, and remained active in the company until his death. His business philosophy was, "... a very important ingredient to a successful business is the people you employ and the way you treat them" and in turn said that one of his greatest joys was to hear from a customer how much they appreciated how well they were treated by Baker Electric employees. 

Gene married Phyllis Cunningham on July 24, 1942 in Newton, Iowa. They made their home in the Des Moines area for 78 years. Gene said about Phyllis "Without a doubt the best break of my life was when I married Phyllis Cunningham." 

Everyone who knew Gene always said that he was one-of-a-kind. He was very generous, intelligent and genuine, with a gentle loving heart. Gene loved greatly and was so loved by all. 

Gene was involved in the community in a variety of ways. He was a long-time, active member at the Izaak Walton League, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, Waveland Park Masonic Lodge, NECA and Royal Order of Jesters. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and wood working. He created toys that were provided to Toys for Tots.

Gene will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 70 years, Phyllis; son, Britt (Mollie) Baker; grandchildren, Tina (Dave) Rice, Lisa Baker, Chad (Emily) Baker, Lance Baker, Meaghan Marinovich, Mathew Baker and Charlee Marinovich; and great grandchildren, Shane Karas, Lydia Rice, Samuel Rice, Addison Baker and Isabella Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mildred Cook. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children, lzaak Walton League or Salvation Army.

Gravestone Photo
 

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