BAKER, Lee R. (1930-2022)

BAKER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/1/2022 at 23:36:12

Lee Raymond Baker
(June 19, 1930 - March 7, 2022)

Lee Raymond Baker, age 91, passed away on March 7, 2022 in Norwalk, Iowa. Lee was born June 17, 1930, to Raymond and Mildred (Holland) Baker in Des Moines, Iowa.
Lee attended and graduated from Johnston High School where he was a member of the football and track team. After graduating, Lee went to work on his grandfather’s farm in Beaconsfield, Iowa. In 1951, Lee took a break from farming when he decided to join the United States Marine Corp. After completing his service to our country, Lee returned to Beaconsfield and farming.
Lee followed in his grandfather and father’s footsteps with his love for agricultural and farming. He ended up moving into his grandfather’s farmstead and raising his three children.
Lee and his family were well respected and active in their community. In addition to putting in long days running the farm, Lee could be found supporting his children with showing their 4-H animals at the county fair, helping his neighbors with wrangling the cows that got loose from their pasture, fishing with his brother-in-law on the farm pond, or chatting with friends at Reasoner’s Garage. During his farming years, Lee also obtained his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying over the country side. Lee was also a long-time member of the Isaac Walton League.
Lee hosted many Fourth of July celebrations on the farm for extended family and friends. In addition, he would have a steady flow of nieces and nephews who would come and visit the farm throughout their summer vacations.
When Lee retired from farming, he moved to the Des Moines area. He spent time traveling, fishing, hunting, and socializing with friends. Lee was always known as a kind and generous individual. He would help out anyone in need, and was the first one always to pick up the dinner tab. Lee kindly supported multiple charities that were close to his heart. He was especially proud to support and be a part of Iowa State University’s Foundation for Raymond F. Baker Center for Plant Breeding. Lee was incredibly proud of his father’s work and contribution to agriculture.
He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Mildred, brother Lawrence, and his three children Susan Joan, Mark, and Mathew Baker.
Lee will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his longtime friends. The family would like to thank the staff at Edencrest at The Legacy in Norwalk for their kindness and quality care of Lee for the last several years.
A graveside service and burial for Lee will be held at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines on March 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/