Thomas Lee Baker

Thomas Lee Baker, 90, of Huntington, passed away at 8:52 am Sunday, December 19, 2021, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home of Fort Wayne, IN. Thomas was born on October 23, 1931, in Lagro, IN, the son of Frank Baker and Janie (Moore) Baker. He graduated from Lagro High School with the class of 1951. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Bonnie L. Smuts on August 21, 1954, in Huntington. They shared 64 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on June 21, 2019. He retired from Marion Dana Corporation after 35 years of service. He was a member of the United Steel Workers Chapter 4-1 and a 22-year member at the American Legion Post 248. Thomas was an outstanding baseball pitcher and had the opportunity to attend tryouts for the major leagues. He enjoyed his weekly visits with some of his classmates, watching tractor auctions, golf tournaments, and western on TV. He liked being on the farm and spent many hours on the lawn mower which earned him the nickname “Lawn Ranger”. He loved the game of golf and cheering on the Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team. Survivors include his daughters, Melinda L. Baker of Huntington, IN, Melissa Baker of Huntington, IN; sons, Mike France of Ft. Wayne, Terry France of Ormond Beach, FL; grandchildren, Todd (Sara) France, Traci (John Paul) Rivera, Matt France, Stephanie Andrews, Maria Martin, Tony Baker, Tosha Rumple; and seventeen great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie L. Baker, father, Frank Baker, mother, Janie Baker, brothers, Orville Bitzel, Clarence "Jack" Bitzel, Truman Baker, Paul Baker, Verlin Baker, and son, Tom Baker. Celebration of Life will be 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Burial will be in Andrews Riverside Cemetery in Andrews at a later date. Preferred memorials to the Helping Paws or Huntington County Humane Society, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Thomas Lee Baker.

Thomas Lee Baker

October 23, 1931 - December 19, 2021