Donald Raymond Baker

Donald Raymond “Shorty” Baker, age 90, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the Oregon Veteran’s Home in The Dalles, Oregon. He was born on March 21, 1927 in Wilcox, Nebraska to Dauster and Anna K (Garrelts) Baker. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Scotts Valley, CA, and then around 1940, the family moved north to Springfield, Oregon, where Don attended Springfield High, and in May, 1945 enlisted in the U. S. Navy. He was proud to have served his country during WWII, and in later years spoke of his time in Yokosuka and Nagasaki, Japan. While in Japan, he learned to speak Japanese and sometimes practiced his language skills on the Oregon Veterans Home staff and fellow residents, much to their delight, and sometimes their confusion. Don returned to Springfield after his discharge from the Navy, where he met the love of his life, Leta Hodges, at a street dance. They were married June 6, 1947, and settled briefly in Eugene. Don and Leta then moved to the Rogue Valley, where Don, with his older brother, Chester and their father, Dauster operated Baker’s Blue Blaze Battery Shop on Old Highway 99 in Central Point until they closed the shop in the 1960’s. Don then worked many years in the logging and timber industry, including the Medford Corporation (Medco) plywood plant as a press operator until a serious injury forced his retirement. Don was known as “Shorty” by his family and friends for good reason. At five feet tall, he learned to use his sense of humor and his friendly-never-met-a-stranger, outgoing, energetic, personality to make up for his small stature. Don loved his family, friends, fishing and hunting, and a good joke. He was an active 4-H Sheep club leader for 10 years in Jackson County. Don and his wife, Leta, helped start St. John Lutheran Church in Eagle Point, and together were also active in the VFW and Eagle Point Grange for many years. Don is survived by his children Roseanna Breeding (Tim) of Sherman County, OR, Dan of Lakeport, CA, Kay Pickett (Barry) of Eagle Point, and Linda Hoeck (Ken) in Wyoming. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Leta Marie (Hodges) Baker, in 2012, and by siblings Chester, Evelyn (Crowley), and Celesta (Blackburn). A funeral service is planned for early June at the National VA Cemetery in Eagle Point.