Gary Lee Baker

November 9, 1944 ~ February 25, 2023 (age 78)

Gary Lee Baker, Independence, Missouri, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2023. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 9, 1944, the son of Francis M. and Veronica R.(Majerus) Baker.

He served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a welder by trade. But he had many and varied interests. He enjoyed fishing, radio controlled airplanes and boats, and he was a talented artist. He could oil paint, work with wood, etch glass and paint automobiles and motorcycles. He was even a certified SCUBA diving instructor.

He was preceded in death by his father, and a brother, Bob Baker. Gary is survived by two sons, Gary Lee Baker Jr., and Robert Baker; his mother, Veronica Baker; two sisters, Sheryl Salter and Sharon Harrison; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A gathering to celebrate Gary's life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Legion Post #21, Independence, Missouri. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on February 27, 2023.)