Lawrence Baker

Lawrence Francis (Micheal) Baker, 85, was born February 23, 1938, to Loyd and Ellen (Alber) Baker in Knox City, Missouri. He was united in marriage to Mildred DeVee Brown on September 24, 1960, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Centerville, Iowa. To this union two children were born: Terri (Danny) Fryman and Chris (Lonnie) McMann. They also raised their oldest granddaughter Holly Midkiff as their own. Lawrence and DeVee had eight other grandchildren: Joshua Dugger, Brandon (Miranda) Wickett, Heather Richtsmeier, Jennifer (Jason) Engen, Valerie Lane, Cody Wickett, Kira (Jeremy) McClain, Chance (Hannah) Fryman; great grandchildren: Kylie Richtsmeier, Angeleigh Kramer, Joshua Lane, Trenton Lane, Gabriella and Alexandria Lane, Kaitlyn Richtsmeier, Micheal Wickett, Autumn Wickett, Aaliyah Walker, Chase Engen, Treavor Wickett, Quinn Wickett, and Luca McClain; and one great great granddaughter Sophia McGillivray.

Lawrence is also survived by his brother Don and wife Angie Baker, sister Lucille and husband Roy Bills, sisters-in law: Sandy Brown, Lois Ziegler, and Elaine McGrann, and brothers-in-law:  Rod Simonson, and Wayne Hancox.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife DeVee, his parents, grandson Joshua Dugger, and sister and brother-in-law Helen and Andy Foster, and his in-laws: Allen Brown, Ellis Brown, Bernita Simonson, Joy and Carroll Gordy, and Jan Hancox, and nephew Michael Baker.

Lawrence enjoyed bowling, playing with his dogs, spending time outdoors, gardening, walking and doing yardwork.  Picking up pennies or other change and would put them in his shoes. He also enjoyed tinkering with cars, driving around and most of all, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Lawrence worked at Walmart for 17 years in Pella which he loved dearly because of all the people and kids he could interact with. Also loved delivering pizza for Happy Joe’s and Pizza Hut for 8 years. He ran his own gas station on Oskaloosa Street for two years and worked at STC for 8 years. He proudly served in the national guard in the 60’s.

He was loved and will be missed by many.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.