Leonard Dee Baker, 83, of Salem, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, N.C.
He was born on August 7, 1937, in Niangua, Mo., son of the late James Dee and Edna Mace Baker. Leonard was proud to serve his country in the United States Air Force, during the Vietnam era, from 1954 until 1964 when he was honorably discharged. As an avid golf lover, it was no surprise that he served as past President of Hidden Valley Country Club, where many friendships were made. Prior to his retirement in 1994, Leonard was also known for his time with Rainbo Bread, where he was President and General Manager. He loved a good cigar, particularly a Montecristo, along with a glass of fine bourbon. Of course, this would all follow a good hotdog from the Roanoke Weiner Stand, as he was certainly no stranger there.
Above it all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend to many, and his grandchildren were certainly the apple of his eye!
In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Lee Baker.
Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his wife of 65 years, Betty Jo Baker, of Salem; children, Saundra Ribando (Anthony), of Grovetown, Ga., and Curtis Dee Baker (Donna), of Salem; brother, Donald E. Baker (Loretta), of Maricopa, Ariz., sister-in-law, Mattie Webster, of Olathe, Kansas, brother-in-law, Bill (Sharon) East, of Olathe, Kansas; five grandchildren, Paul Reinke (Stacey), Amanda Reinke, Erin Heely (Conor), Adam Dee Baker (Misaki), and Olivia Baker; five great-grandchildren, Parker Reinke, Brady Reinke, Finn Heely, Jack Heely, and Bette Heely.
Per the wishes of the family, graveside services at Sherwood Memorial Park, in Salem, will be private.
Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the Baker family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
Per the wishes of the family, graveside services at Sherwood Memorial Park, in Salem, will be private.
Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the Baker family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.