Elbert L. Baker's Obituary
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life: he who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. (John 11: 25)
Elbert L. Baker (Retired SFC) of Lakewood Washington accepted Christ’s forgiveness and grace during his final days so that he too “shall live and never die”. Our family’s prayers; that he would accept Christ’s gift of eternal life and that he would no longer suffer from his protracted illnesses were quickly answered within days of each other. On January 5, 2016, at the age of 83, “Grandpa in the brown house” (aka Grandpa snacks) was taken peacefully in his sleep to be with the Lord.
Born March 30, 1932 in Lucedale Mississippi, Elbert was one of seven children raised by Floyd and Cammie Baker-Pope. Known as “Sonnie” by the locals, he grew up on his mother’s farm until 1954 when he enlisted in the Army. There he dedicated 20 years of service to the military and also met his wife, Pvt. Dorothy S. Hentsch.
A Veteran of the Vietnam and Korean conflicts Elbert received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in a combat zone as well as various other awards and commendations.
After leaving the military life behind in the early 70’s, Elbert and wife Dorothy chose Lakewood, Washington as the place to raise their 5 children; Floyd, Edward, Leslie, Kelly, and Kathleen.
For 24 more years, Elbert continued to work as a project manager in the commercial and residential construction trades where he helped build many affordable housing communities and commercial buildings throughout Lakewood and Pierce County.
If you met him, he’d say (with a grin); “Just call me Baker”... Well “Baker” (Dad), you’re home now, pain free and with everlasting life… tell Mom we’re doing well and we await the day we’re all together again for Jesus said; And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. (John 11:26)
Elbert was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (of 41 years), brothers Lawrence and Dudley Williams, and sister Peggy.
In addition to his 5 children, he is survived by his sisters Glenda Sue Hulsey of Petal MS, Francis Fairley, Edna Earl Wright, and Bobbie Williams of Lucedale MS, daughters in laws; Susan, Marina and Kelly, 11 grandchildren (Steven, Amanda, Zac, Mac, Emily, Kaytrin, Kenneth, Cierra, Shayla, Ryan and David) as well as 4 great-grandchildren (Scarlet, Noah, Kennedy Ellie, and Beau).
Services will be held at Mt View Garden Chapel Cemetery, January 16, 2016 at 1:00 PM. An Internment with Military Honors service is to be held at Tahoma National Cemetery, Maple Valley WA. on January 19, 2016 at 11:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UW ADRC (Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund) address: UW Medicine Advancement, Box 358045 Seattle, WA 98195-8045 For online donation, please use the following link - http://www.supportuwmedicine.org/adrc
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