Home > United States of America > Washington > King County > Kent > Tahoma National Cemetery > Leonard Eugene “Gene” Baker

Leonard Eugene “Gene” Baker

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Birth	:	24 Sep 1931 Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, Washington, USA
Death	:	26 Oct 2015 Fresno, Fresno County, California, USA
Burial	:	Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, King County, USA
Coordinate	:	47.3872223, -122.0935440
Plot	:	Sec T, Row C, Site 93
Inscription	:	TE2 US Navy
Description	:	Gene was born to William and Mildred Baker. He passed away from complications due to a fall. Gene was raised in a log cabin in the mountains above the small town of Stites, ID. The cabin was built by hand with "Pops" instruction and mom, Gene and his two sisters doing their part. When the two bedroom cabin was completed, a barn was built, farm animals were acquired and a vegetable garden was planted. The family now had a farm. Gene's mother canned all vegetables, fruit, and meat, including venison and elk on a wood stove in preparation... Read More	Gene was born to William and Mildred Baker. He passed away from complications due to a fall. Gene was raised in a log cabin in the mountains above the small town of Stites, ID. The cabin was built by hand with "Pops" instruction and mom, Gene and his two sisters doing their part. When the two bedroom cabin was completed, a barn was built, farm animals were acquired and a vegetable garden was planted. The family now had a farm. Gene's mother canned all vegetables, fruit, and meat, including venison and elk on a wood stove in preparation for winter. Electricity didn't come to the farm until 1951. In this environment surrounded by love and hard work, Gene learned the importance of family, a good work ethic, appreciation for wild life, and a respect for guns. After graduating from Stites High School, Gene enlisted in the United States Navy where he was trained to handle classified material. He was stationed aboard the carrier USS BADOENG STRAIT and SASEBO Japan. He was entitled to wear the National Defense, Korean Service, United Nations, China Service, Navy occupation and good conduct ribbon. Gene's first employment after discharge from the Navy was a patrolman on the Lewiston, ID police department. In 1975, he became a Greyhound bus driver, driving out of Portland, OR, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Fresno, CA. After leaving Greyhound, he drove tour bus for Grey lines out of Seattle, WA, a job he loved. Gene felt privileged to drive the Lead bus during the Clinton/Gore campaign throughout the North West. He was impressed that the president, Gore and their wives took the time to shake hands and speak to all the drivers, extending their "Thank you" for the safe journey. Gene's last employment was driving for Kent, WA school district. He retired in his late seventies due to heart problems. Gene loved to travel. Two weeks prior to his death he visited Mt. Rushmore, Crazy horse, Deadwood, Custer's battlefield, and friends and family in Washington State. He could stay up all night playing pinochle or aggravation. He loved camping, traditional country music, Ballard singers from the 1940's and 1950's, especially Glenn Miller, good food and spending time with family and friends. Gene had a great sense of humor, a quick wit, and funny sayings that will stay with us forever. He was well liked by his coworkers, made friends easy and dearly loved his family. Gene was preceded in death by Betty, his wife of 38 years; his parents, William and Mildred Baker; and sister, Joyce Chevez. Gene is survived by his sister, Carol Manes and husband Marvin of Ocean Shores, WA, and her children, Billy and wife Sue, Allen and wife Sheila of Manes, WA, Tina of Kauai, HI, and Pam Bolt and husband Brian of Oregon; his former wife and friend, Janeen Crane and her husband Phil; his children, Denise Garza and husband Juan, Michael Baker, Janelle Brown and husband Ken of Fresno, Rodger Baker and wife Elaine of Clovis, Michelle Herbert and husband Keith, Gary Heitz and wife Thuy of Kent, WA, Debbie Thurston of Oregon, and Ronnie Chini of Montana; grandchildren, Brian, Philip, Christopher, Kelly, Jessica, Nichole, Courtney, Jeremy, Brandy, Alex, Tommy, Tyler, Tara and Thia; 21 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. Gene also leaves his special friends, Charlie and Mary of Kent, WA, Sherie and Rex of Ventura, CA, Hallie Ayana, Lexi and "Trouble" of Fresno. We wish to thank Hinds Hospice, especially Jennifer and Martha for their Love, support and special care they gave Gene. He always looked forward to their visits. We would also like to thank Dr. Lambert and Dr. Chang at the Veteran's Administration, for making Genes last days as comfortable as possible. At Genes request, there will be no service. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date. Published in the Fresno Bee on Nov. 15, 2015

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Leonard Eugene “Gene” Baker's memorial?
Leonard Eugene “Gene” Baker's memorial is located at: Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, King County, USA.
When did Leonard Eugene “Gene” Baker death?
Leonard Eugene “Gene” Baker death on 26 Oct 2015 in Fresno, Fresno County, California, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Leonard Eugene “Gene” Baker's memorial?
Latitude: 47.3872223
Longitude: -122.0935440

Family Members:

Parent

Spouse

Betty Jean Baker

(1933 - 2009)

Flowers:

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