Russell A Baker Jr.

LTC (Ret.) Russell A. Baker, Jr., a resident of Columbus since 1972, passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at his residence. LTC Baker was born on December 10, 1930 in Manila, Philippines to the late COL (Ret.) Russell A. Baker, Sr. and Frances Carter Baker. Upon graduation from Shattuck Military Academy in 1948, he became a third generation graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He entered into active duty on June 6, 1953 where he was deployed to several locations including Korea in 1955, Berlin, Germany in 1959 and serving two tours in Vietnam in 1966 and 1972. LTC Baker then went on to teach at the Command and General Staff College before retirement in 1977 after twenty-five years of dedicated service. He lived by the motto of the Military Academy at West Point, "Duty, Honor & Country." LTC Baker achieved numerous awards during his service, the most notable being, the Bronze Star Medal w/ "V" Device and two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1 Silver Star and 1 Bronze Star, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Silver Star (2nd Award) and Palm, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Parachutist Badge. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who celebrated life and will be missed dearly. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 36 years, Mary F. Baker and a brother, David Baker.

LTC Baker is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Jeanette D. Baker of Columbus; two sons and daughters-in-law, Skip and Claire Baker of Columbus and Scott and Rhonda Baker of Columbus; four grandchildren, Angela (Ron), John (Jennifer), Kelli and Andy; seven great-grandchildren, Stephen, Kaylah, Andrew, William, Jackson, Kylee and Elizabeth; as well as a sister, Diane Leslie and many other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church on Monday, June 20, 2011 at 11:00 AM with interment to follow in Main Post Cemetery, Ft. Benning.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne Outreach or to Columbus Hospice at www.columbushospice.com. Please visit www.shcolumbus.com to express condolences.