John Baker V

John H. “Jack”, “Dutch” Baker V, age 90 of Battle Creek, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 18, 2014. He was born September 3, 1923 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of John Howard and Dorothea Esther (Hoogesteger) Baker IV. John was a 1941 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and a 1952 graduate of Michigan Tech. He was a Naval Aviator with the US Navy Transport Service from 1943 to 1947, serving in Guam during WWII.  Dutch was an Engineer at the Clark Equipment Company retiring in 1986 after 35 years of service. He was a member and former Grand Master of Masonic Lodge #12.  A Red Cross volunteer for 51 years, he was recently awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award and was a 20+ gallon blood donor.  He was an Eagle Scout, Boy Scout Leader, member of Pennfield Presbyterian Church, and the Cereal City Bike Club.  John swam the Leroy Sparks Marathon Swim for 43 consecutive years, ran the Harper Creek Sunrise Swim Class for 26 years, and taught water safety/lifeguard certification at K.C.C. He also taught ballroom dancing and volunteered at the Marian Burch Adult Day Care where he was known as Clark Gable.  John is survived by his daughters: Laura Baker and Amy (Ralph) Hooten; special daughters: Linda V. (Mike) Howard and Valerie (Ray) Mayes; grandchildren: Connor, Colin and Lauren Grattan; stepchildren: Dennis (Milene) Martens, Elaine (Dennis) Cheetsos and Jack Petersen; six step grandchildren and one step great-granddaughter. John was previously married to Eleanor Baker.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Baker, in 2010.  In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with Pastor Michael A. Howard, Chaplain of CityLinC Ministries, and Pastor Doug Nettleton, Pennfield Presbyterian Church officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Masonic service following.  Memorial contributions may be made to Pennfield Presbyterian Church, American Red Cross, or Marian Burch Adult Day Care. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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