Barton Baker

August 30, 1928 --June 21, 2014 In the afternoon of August 30, 1928, Barton Earl Baker came into the world as the fourth child of John David Baker and Edith Van Cleave Baker of De BeQue, Colorado. Life was hard in rural Conn Creek and he lost his mother at a very early age. When his dad remarried he spent a childhood working the ranch with his own three siblings (David K. Baker, Barbara Drapeau, Evlyn Williams), 4 step sisters (Helen Baysinger, Reba Baysinger, Arleen Whitbeck, Dorothy Thiele), 1 step brother (ClintonKelly), one half brother (Dewey Baker) and a close friend who lived with the family (Earl Conwell). Bart and his siblings rode a horse to the one room Con Creek School until the fifth grade. He graduated from De Beque High School and loved to played basketball. He joined the Army in 1948 and served in the Korean War. He was very proud of the fact that his 17th Infantry Regiment 7th Division was the only outfit that went clear to the Yalo River. He was honorably discharged in 1951 with the rank of Sargent. After the army he was employed by Chevron USA and worked in the Red Wash field as a plant operator until 1986. He married Betty Jensen in 1950. In 1952 he married Gladys Urban and in that 29 year marriage raised two children (daughter, Bonnie Baker and son, John Baker). He managed Little League Baseball for six years and loved working with the kids. The family lived on a small farm and raised apples, tomatoes and other vegetables. In 1982 he married Norma Eaton Murray and he was step father to her three boys: Terry J Murray, Kenneth R Murray, and Randy K Murray. Norma passed away in June 2013. For many years they wintered in Yuma, AZ and had lots of fun going to dances and making new friends. Bart was very proud to be a 32 Master Mason and member of Ashley Lodge #20. He was the Master two times and served as Deputy Grand Lecturer six years, and was a member of the Scottish Rite. He was also a member of Shrine El Kalah Temple. He loved the lodge and enjoyed participating in many events. Bart loved hunting, fishing and camping. He will be remembered for his practical jokes and colorful language. After a long good life with many friends he passed away peacefully in his sleep. Funeral services will be held Saturday June 28, 2014 at 12 noon at the Western Park indoor arena area. Viewing for Friends and Family 1 hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park with committal services from the Masonic Lodge and military honors from the American Legion and Army National Guard. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary. wwwblackburnvernalmortuary.com