Thomas E. Baker Sr.

Thomas E. Baker Sr., age 83, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. Thomas was born in Racine on February 21, 1928, son of the late Edward and Lydia (Nee: Hansen) Baker.

At age 16 Thomas joined the United States Merchant Marines and five years later he enlisted with the United States Army. On October 9, 1948, at Holy Communion Lutheran Church he was united in marriage to Anne V. Slaasted. He was employed by Pugh Oil, Hribar Trucking, and last worked at the Milwaukee Metro Auto Auction. His pastimes included bowling, hunting, fishing, NASCAR, and he was an avid Packer fan. Tom will be best remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife Anne of sixty-two years; his children, Robert Baker, Gail Baker (Richard Hovorka), Sandra (Brian) Callis, Glenn Purlee; daughter-in-law, Samantha Baker; grandchildren, Ashten, Melissa and Cody Baker, Gary Granger Jr., Germaine (Brian) Eisel, Gwen Granger, Geralyn Granger, Garrick Granger, Erick (Ashley) Callis, Matthew Callis (Ashley Layman), Jacob (Amanda) Callis; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Nathanyel, Kyliegh-Anne Callis, Landon and Audrey Granger, Ryland Granger, Devon and Lucas Eisel; sisters, June Scheible, Doris (Arnold) Volz, Betty Taylor; brother-in-law, Paul Smaglick; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Thomas E. Baker Jr. on October 4, 2004; stepfather, Albert Jameson; brothers, Robert and Howard; and sister, Ruby Sanders.

A Memorial Service followed by full military honors will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 745 Main St., on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at 2 p.m., with Rev. Brad Van Fossen officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church Saturday from 1 p.m. until time of service. Memorials to the family have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888