Joseph L. Baber's Obituary
Joseph Lynn Baber passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 21, 2002 at his home in Steilacoom, Washington. He was a beloved husband and dedicated father and grandfather.Joe was born in Burlington, Colorado, May 13, 1941, the youngest of three children of William Earl and Gladys Irene (Harker) Baber. He graduated from Burlington High School and entered the Army in December, 1959. In September, 1961, he married Karan Kay Rudy also of Burlington. They had two children, Samuel Lyle and Teresa Kay.After Army basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, Joe received training as a medical laboratory technician at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. His follow-on assignments were at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, Denver, Colorado; Site 16, Ankara, Turkey; Basset Army Hospital, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Letterman Army Institute of Research (LAIR), Presidio of San Francisco, California and Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington. He spent most of his career working in medical research and development studying Army nutrition, and the physiology of high altitude and cold exposure of troops. He was highly instrumental in the construction of a research laboratory on the summit of Pikes Peak and the development of LAIR. He excelled at what ever assignment he was given which was evident when he obtained a two-year degree from Baylor University in one year with class honors. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal with Silver Bar and one Knot, and the National Service Defense Medal. He was medically retired with the rank of First Sergeant in May, 1978, due to disabilities. He had many hobbies during his life time. As a young man he enjoyed fishing and small game hunting in eastern Colorado. He became a gardener after his retirement and relished in growing larger produce than his rival neighbor. He loved the game of baseball which he once played and also coached a 15-16 year old little league team several years for the Pierce County Parks, Washington. He was a wonderful cook and enjoyed trying new recipes with friends. He kept all the birds in the neighborhood fed, enjoyed watching them in the yard and was delighted when a pair of Anna hummingbirds wintered at his feeder. He stayed busy in the winter as a member of the Pierce County Genealogy Society and researching his familyÂ's history. He quickly became the person who had all the old family photos and information. His favorite pastime was walking his dog, Shadows, in Fort Steilacoom Park and watching the eagles fly overhead.Joe is survived by his wife of over 41 years; Teresa Kay, daughter; Bobbi (Josh Selch) and Mari Baber, granddaughters; Samantha Kayanna and Maaliyah Tasi, great-granddaughters, Carole May (James Darnall), sister; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. As well as many, many friends across the country. He was preceded in death by Samuel Lyle, son; William Earl Baber, Jr., brother; and parents.Joe had a wonderful sense of humor that he shared with his family and many friends. He was a positive influence in many lives he touched and was loved and respected by all.Joe requested that no services be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in his name to Mercy Corps, Emergency Response; P. O. Box 2669; Portland, OR 97208-9652.
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