Walter Lee "Bud" Baker

Walter Lee “Bud” Baker of Connersville, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2012, at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis. He was born April 10, 1935 in Metamora to Millard and Hazel Wilson Baker. The family moved to the farm a few years later where “Bud” worked with his parents, brothers and sisters. At 19, he joined the U.S. Army where he met and married Catherine in 1955 while stationed in Massachusetts. They lived in Waltham, MA for their entire 50 year marriage until her death in 2006. They raised three children: Walter Jr., Angela and Daniel. “Bud” worked for Raytheon for over ten years before moving to Polaroid where he was employed for 30 years as a machine specialist and supervisor prior to his retirement in 1991. He and Catherine traveled extensively all over the United States, returning to their dream home they built in 1976. “Bud’s true passion was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed attending their games and events and fishing with them, even taking his Granddaughter to the Junior Olympics in Iowa. His next greatest passion was fishing; whether trout and ice-fishing on Lake Kezar in New Hampshire with his son, Wally, Angela his daughter, or with his brothers on Lake Erie, earning him the nickname “Bud, The Catfish Man”. His last days were happily spent fishing with Angela and enjoying her new Indiana home. He also looked forward to many more fishing trips with them all, In his leisure time, he liked gardening, camping and playing cards. In 2007, Bud returned to Indiana and was married to the former Mary Ruth Sample Sillett. They were members of the First Presbyterian Church and could often be found at Maggie’s Restaurant. “Bud” was alos a member of Warren Lodge #15, F.& A.M. and Connersville Order of Eastern Star #346. “Bud” is survived by his wife: Mary; his children and their spouses: Walter Lee Baker, Jr, and Catherine of North Sutton, New Hampshire; Angela Irene Baker of North Vernon; Daniel Baker and Sharon of North Sutton, New Hampshire; four grandchildren: Kerry Lee, Kelly Ann, Lee Daniel and Natalie Baker; two great-grandchildren: Alyssa Marie and Elisabeth Jaiden Flanders; four step-daughters and their spouses: Marsha Akin and Ray of Marion, Susan Hubbard of Columbus, Monna Murphy and Tom of Marion, Louanne Rambo of Indianapolis; several step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren and a step-great-great-granson; ten siblings and their spouses: Mable May Carey and Virgil of Connersville, Gerald “Dick” Baker and Norma Jean of Metamora, Harley “Skip” Baker and Stacy of Connersville, Nancy Sue Baker of Metamora, David “Jake” Baker and Karen of Connersville, Mary Ison and Wayne of Connersville, Paula Kay Grant and Ed of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Johnny Ray Baker and Dema of Charlottesville, Gregory Lynn Baker and Frankie, Dolly Marie Satterfield and Danny, all of Metamora; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and first wife, “Bud” was preceded in death by two sisters: Era Irene Baker and Geraldine “Micky” Kiskaden and a brother: Charles “Butch” Baker. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev Mitchell J. Coggins officiating. Interment will follow in the family cemetery, Cupps Chapel, near Metamora next to Catherine with military honors provided by the American Legion Post 77 Firing Squad. Friends may visit at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday and after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Memorial services will be conducted at the funeral home Monday at 7:30 p.m. by Warren Lodge #15, F.& A.M. and Connersville Order of Eastern Star #346. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.