Donald Baker

EAST PRAIRIE - Donald Freeman Baker, 92, died at 12:10 p.m. April 3, 2004, at his home.

Born Aug. 7, 1911, near East Prairie, son of the late John Lemuel and Ann Elizabeth Coats Baker, he lived in Mississippi County most of his life. He returned to East Prairie after retiring from Caterpillar in East Peoria, Ill., in 1956 and that fall became a bus driver for East Prairie R-2 schools. In 1965, he became the high school custodian, retiring in 1980 as head custodian. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was a member of the Assembly of God Church in East Prairie.

On Dec. 9, 1933, he married Earline Myers who preceded him in death on Jan. 27, 1973.

He was also preceded in death by nine brothers, Clarence Baker, William Baker, Elmer Baker, Locey Baker, James "Doss" Baker, Jessie Baker, Howard Baker, Harold Baker and J.L. Baker; and two sisters, Birdie Striplin and Enoma Givens.

Survivors include: one cousin, Cecil Dodge Wellborn of Wheeling, Ill.; and 12 nieces and five nephews.

Visitation begins at 5 p.m. today at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie where services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday. The Rev. George White will officiate.

Burial will follow in East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Bernard Baker, C.L. Baker, Gary Hancock, Chris Allred, W.C. Dunn and Gene Hall.