Lavone Leo Baker

Lavone Leo Baker, 90, of Farmersburg, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2013, at IU Medical Center in Indianapolis with his sons by his side. He was born on January 27, 1923, in Vigo County to Alonzo and Luvena (Lidster) Baker. On March 11, 1946, he married Elizabeth Sanderson. Lavone proudly served in the United States Army during WWII as a tank driver for Company C of the 735th Tank Battalion. He bravely fought in the Normandy, Northern Europe, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central European theaters. He was wounded in action in Germany in March of 1945 and was awarded a Purple Heart. He worked as a farmer and a truck driver. Lavone was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, and DAV. During his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Lavone was well known for coordinating huge family picnics and reunions. During the winter months, he enjoyed having kids come to his homeplace for sledding. Lavone and his wife also like playing euchre together with their best friends.

Lavone is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Baker; their children, Jerry L. Baker and wife Sharon Baker of Farmersburg, Kenneth A. Baker and wife Melissa Weston-Baker of Riley, and Marlinda Cesinger and husband Jerry Lee of Shelbyville, IN; grandchildren, Theresa (Johnny) Penick of Brazil, Kenneth Ryan Baker of Riley, Elizabeth R. (Scott) Baker-Moore of Terre Haute, Jamie (Lance) Baker-Crone of York, PA, and Stuart Mason (Nicole) Baker of Farmersburg; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Samantha Penick of Brazil, Tierra Penick of Terre Haute, and Nicholas Jon Baker of Farmersburg; great-grandchildren Trenity and Colton Penick of Brazil; sister Ada Cruse of Terre Haute, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Norma Sullivan, Alice Baker, Raymond Baker, Helen Hedley, Mary Kathryn Crump, Richard Baker, Edith Baker, Dorothy Greemore, Ruben Baker, Lorean Engle, Louise Kaufman, Geneva Janelli, and Carlton Baker.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 at Roselawn Funeral Home with Pastor Kyle Andrews officiating and military rites performed by VFW Post 972. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 11 until 1. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Lighthouse Mission. Online condolences may be made at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net