George M. Baker

George Merald Baker, 92, El Dorado Springs, passed away Wednesday morning, Nov. 24, in Caldwell, TX. He was born in Iron Hill, Jackson County, IA, on July 18, 1918, to George William and Bertha Dutton Baker.

George served in the Navy during World War II as an airborne radar technician. After the war, he moved to Lockwood to start his business of quarrying and crushing limestone. While in Lockwood, he was president of the school board.

In Albuquerque, NM, where he and three brothers-in-law engaged in copper mining briefly, he followed his life long desire to live in the Mountain West. He returned to Missouri in 1957 and began his quarrying business in 1960 in El Dorado Springs where he lived the rest of his life. He was a member and served as an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado Springs.

For a few years, he designed and built quarrying equipment featuring designs that he developed from his 45 years in the rock business. He utilized drafting skills learned in high school to make the blueprints for the conveyors and screening plants he built.

Following his retirement, he developed and practiced his skill in bookbinding.

Even though he was not able to attend college, he studied all his life and developed an in-depth knowledge of mathematics and quantum physics which he continued to research until his death. He also studied the history of the Old West avidly and loved to write. He wrote numerous stories and poems which greatly entertained his children and grandchildren over the years. He was also an accomplished pilot who had soloed before WWII. As a flight instructor, he taught many in El Dorado Springs to fly. His interest in flying led him to an instrumental role in the growth and addition of a paved runway at the El Dorado Springs Municipal Airport.

George was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting with his sons and brothers-in-law. He told interesting stories about his hunting trips and escapades.

He also loved to play games and taught his family many of these games over the years. Often during family gatherings the cards were brought out and games of Bridge, Cribbage, Hearts, Canasta or others were enjoyed. George also loved to cook. For many years he made his own delicious bread, pies and other foods that his family enjoyed when visiting.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Katy Nell Nicholson Baker; his mother and father; brothers - Myron, Ralph and Charles; sisters - Greta Banks, Gladys Nelson, Metta Baker and Eleanor Crane; and granddaughter, Shelley Baker.

He is survived by sons - Pat, and wife, Hilda - Caldwell, TX, Bob, and wife, Glenda - College Station, TX, and Tim, and wife, Sherri - Germantown, TN; 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, followed by graveside services and burial in Rock Springs Cemetery in Halltown. Memorial donations in his name may be made to: The BPW Katy Baker Scholarship Fund, El Dorado Springs High School, 901 S. Grand, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744.