James "Al" Baker

James "Al" Baker of Kokomo passed away at the age of 94. He was born in Jones County, Texas to the late James Lee and Zetta Ann (Jones) Baker on December 27, 1924. Al married Nell Alice (Sewall) Baker June 16, 1951, and she survives. During Al's time as a Merchant Marine, he transported weapons, ammo, and food for the soldiers. He drafted into the Korean War at the age of 26, and was honorably discharged medically, in 1951. Al was the owner and operator of "Al" Baker and Sons Construction, a local business in Kokomo for over 50 years. He was a member of the Home Builder's Association, being State Director in 1970, Vice President in 1971, and President in 1972. He built numerous custom home in Kokomo and surrounding counties. Al developed three subdivision, including Pumpkin Vine Meadows, Echo Acres, and Ruhl Gardens, where he resided. Nell, Al's wife was his right hand woman. She ran the books and did sales right alongside him. They enjoyed their trips to lake Michigan, where they boated, and Al fished for several years. They went back and forth to Texas and Arkansas to visit family and took a few trips to Florida on vacation. Al was a member of 1st Assembly of God for many years, and was also a Deacon on their board while Nell taught Sunday school. Al was a saver. He taught Nell that before spending any money they earned, to think about what was really needed, and to put the rest away for a rainy day. Al is deeply missed by the love of his life of 68 plus years, Nell. Surviving Al is his wife Nell, children Alrita A. Barton, James H. Baker (Christine), Stephen K. Baker (JoAnne), grandchildren Jeff Barton, Janelle Barton, James O. "J.O." Baker, Ashley Adams (Gary), Joshua Baker, Matthew Baker, Isaiah Baker (Kylie), Olivia Saner (Michael), MacKenzie Krispinski (Dan), and Savannah Baker, great grandchildren MacKenzie Barton, Jackson Barton, Audrey Stout, Nolan James Adams, Josiah Baker, Saafiyah Tyler, Oliver Baker, Benjamin Lee Baker, Henry Baker, Emily Saner, Katelyn Saner, Ethan Saner, and Brandon Lee Baker, a brother Virgil Wayne Baker, and three nephews Larry W. Baker, Glenn McEowen, and Keith McEowen. Those who have passed before him are his parents, son Chris Baker, granddaughter Melanie Baker, and sister in law Mary Ellen Baker. A visitation for Al will take place at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel Friday evening November 1, 2019 from 5pm to 7pm. A funeral service will be Saturday November 2 at 12pm at the mortuary with Pastors Tim Bontrager and Darlton Bontrager officiating, followed by Military Honors at Brookside cemetery in Windfall.