John McArthur BAKER

BAKER, THOMSON, WICKLESS, STEINHEIDER, JACKSON, MAJORS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/9/2014 at 15:41:18

April 9, 1917 --- February 6, 2014

John McArthur Baker, 96, Lincoln, was born April 9, 1917 in Eagle Grove, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Thomson Baker; and son, John McArthur Baker II. He is survived by daughter, Nancy Baker in Versailles, Ky.; and daughter and son-in-law, Mimi and Jim Wickless in Lincoln. Three grandchildren and their families: Jill Steinheider, Minneapolis; Matt, Julie and Jane Steinheider, Houston; Anne, Matt, Sam and Charlie Jackson, LaVista.

As a Navy pilot he served in two fronts in World War II; the South Pacific and off the coast of Africa flying PBYs and B-24s. When the war ended he was one of six pilots chosen to learn to fly the Spruce Goose, the plane designed by Howard Hughes and flown only once. He lived his life by the creed: "The devotion of thought to an honest achievement makes that achievement possible..." He was an Eagle Scout and through his example so were his son, John, and grandson, Matt. Sam Jackson, his great grandson, is currently going through the Cub Scout ranks. Baker was an avid outdoorsman, a skilled marksman and a competitive skeet shooter. He was passionate about hunting waterfowl, which he continued to do into his 90s. He is survived, also, by his long time hunting partner Harold Majors, Nebraska City.

The family thanks the staff at Sumner Place for the kind and compassionate care they provided for the last five years. Celebrate John McArthur Baker's long and happy life by toasting him with a shot of Jack Daniels and making a wish on the North Star. Aspen Cremation Service.

Lincoln Journal Star - Lincoln, Nebraska
February 9, 2014