Gary Jay Baker, Sr.

PRESTON- Gary Jay Baker, Sr., 69, passed away Oct. 5, 2008, in Preston, Idaho from complications of a terminal lung condition he has battled for the last six years. He was born April 17, 1939, in Mason City, Washington to Jay Elwood and Elsa Matilda Salter Baker. He was raised in Washington for several years and then the family moved to Pocatello, Idaho. He graduated in 1957 from Pocatello High School. After high school, he worked as a cement mason and also at Eddy's Bakery. He married Carol Simmons on June 7, 1958. They were married for 30 years and had two children. They were later divorced.He joined the United States Air Force in 1960 and planned to make it his career. He was stationed in Texas, Illinois and Michigan during his service. Unfortunately, he sustained a back injury in 1966 and became medically retired. During his time in the Air Force, he received numerous merits. At the time of his death, he held the rank of Staff Sergeant.After leaving the Air Force, he lived in Oxford, Idaho until the late 80's when he moved to Downey, Idaho. He resided in Downey until 2007 when he moved to the Heritage Home in Preston. He had many hobbies and enjoyed the outdoors. He liked to fish, hunt, camp and ride horses before his health declined. He made jewelry and liked to do leather work. He loved his children and his two grandsons. During his life, he was active in the Scouting program, a member of the Air Force Sergeant's Association, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.He is survived by his two children, Gary Jay Baker, Jr. (Fiancee- Lorelei Knoblich) of Oxford, Idaho; Jennifer (Josh) Hatch of Dayton, Idaho; two grandsons, Matthew Mendenhall and Ian Hatch; his mother, Elsa Baker of Pocatello, Idaho; his sisters, Bertie (Keith) Nelson of Blackfoot, Idaho; Judy Frazier of Pocatello, Idaho; and Donna Amen of Pocatello, Idaho; his brother, Randy (Kris) Baker of Shelley, Idaho; a good friend, Town Hall and also many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jay E. Baker. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, at noon at Webb Funeral Home, 109 E. Oneida, Preston, Idaho. Friends may call Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home and Thursday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. also at the mortuary. Military rites and Interment will be in the Oxford, Idaho Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com