Age 85, went home to his Lord and Savior October 30, 2018. Lyle was born April 16, 1933, to Ralph & Elva Baker (Best) of Pleasant Grove Township, MN. A 1950 graduate of Chatfield High School, he served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955, including a year in Korea. He proudly served as a member of the 5th Air Force Band. Known as an exceptional French Horn and Trumpet player, he was offered a chair when the first Air Force Academy was formed in 1955. He joined The Minnesota State Patrol in 1957 and retired as Captain in 1990 proudly carrying Badge #29 for 33 years. Lyle served the State of Minnesota as Trooper, Head of Security for the Governor’s Mansion, and District Sergeant in Mankato. He was promoted to the rank of Captain providing operational support to Districts across the state. He continued to live a full life in retirement, gardening and tinkering in his wood shop. Lyle dedicated many years to growing a successful Shaklee business alongside his wife, Bernice. He worked along with fellow State Troopers for 10 years supporting the campgrounds at the Minnesota State Fair. His grandchildren loved visiting Grandpa in the “big water tower” that served as the campground office.
Survived by his wife, Bernice, sister, Jean Tienter of Chatfield, MN; Marcella Baker, mother of sons: Steve (Mindi) Baker, Carver, MN; Greg Baker, San Jose, CA; and Keith (Kim) Baker, So. St. Paul; stepdaughter, Shelley Drake, Murphysboro, IL; six Grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, sister, Rita Ryan and brother-in-law, Gordon Tienter.
