Richard J. Baker

Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Richard J. Baker, 93, of Lansing, formerly of Haslett, reunited with his wife of 72 years, Leone, together again for eternity. The world has one less amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, carpenter, & Tigers fan. Dick was born January 26, 1923, the son of Erastus & Anna Baker. He grew up living on Lake Lansing with two brothers & two sisters. He attended Haslett schools where he enjoyed many years of baseball & football. In 1943 he joined the U.S. Army Air Corp where he trained combat pilots to the joy of flying. On January 15, 1944 he married his high school sweetheart Leone. Together they raised their family in Haslett with Christian faith & love. After his honorable discharge from the Army he began a successful 40 year career with Christman Company where he became a valued & respected construction foreman. Using his carpentry skills he built their home in Haslett, cottage on Coldwater Lake, & several houses in Haslett. He found great pleasure spending weekends & retirement years at Coldwater Lake where he was often seen fixing the best grilled chicken. In retirement he made many new friends & special memories wintering in Sebring, Florida. His last two years brought poor health & several changes. He faced every challenge with the sweetest attitude: "Whatever needs to be done is OK."

He is predeceased by his wife, granddaughter Leanna, brother Robert Baker, sisters Ella Mae Dixon & Ida June Arts. Surviving to cherish his memory is son, Larry (Elizabeth) Baker; daughter, Debra (Steve) Grice; grandchildren, Erik (Briann), Michael, Patrick, Ryan, Brendan, Kara, Ty, Kyle (Amber) & Alex; brother, Jack Baker and many nieces & nephews.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 14, 2016, 2 pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Avenue with the Rev. Dr. Harold DeMott officiating. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 13, 5-7 pm at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank his caregivers at Ingham Regional Assisted Living for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 in memory of Richard.

On line condolences may be made at

www.greastlansing.com