SSgt. Paul Lee Baker Ret. USArmy

ST. MARTINVILLE – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for SSgt. Paul L. Baker, Ret. US Army, age 85, at 10:00 am Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church. Fr. Rusty Richard will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Michaels Mausoleum with full Military Honors conducted by the Fort Polk Military Honors Team.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home of St. Martinville on Monday from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm, with the Rosary being prayed at 7:00 pm. Visiting hours will resume on Tuesday from 8:00 am until 9:30 am.

Paul was born November 15, 1931 in Pawnee, Illinois to the late Charles Baker and the late Grace Buckingham Baker and was raised in Springfield, IL. He passed away peacefully on Friday, January 13, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Paul served his country as a Veteran of the United States Army, having retired with 29 ½ years of service. During those years, he traveled extensively overseas and fought in both the Korean War and Vietnam War with numerous medals and citations received. Some of his pastimes were feeding and watching the hummingbirds and cardinals that visited his home, and doing carpentry. He and his wife were also avid St. Louis Cardinals fans and enjoyed watching a game when they were on. Most important was that Paul was a man that loved being with his family. He adored his children, grandchildren, and all of the great and great great grandkids. Their time spent with him will be cherished and he will be missed dearly by all. Rest in Peace “Papop”. We love you.

Survivors include his daughter, Donna Marie Guidry of Parks; four grandchildren, Joseph Raymond Dore and wife Ann Marie, Lisa Thomas and husband John, Paul Dore’ and wife Stephanie, and Andrew Loeb; 12 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren with one on the way; his brothers and sisters, Russell Baker, Floyd Baker, Helen Horn and Alice Crowe; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Melancon Baker; his children, Yvonne Fabacher, Dale Fabacher, Ricky Lynn Fabacher, Paul Sazin Baker, Grace Baker; and six siblings.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Paul, Raymond and John Dore’, Andrew Loeb, John and Hunter Thomas and the United States Army. Honorary pallbearers are Ozaire Bonin, KeKe Bourque, Sr. and Ty Melancon.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Baker’s name to your local Humane Society.

To view the online obituary and video tribute, and to share memories of Paul, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com

Evangeline Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.