Earl Shelton 'Jeff' Baker

S SGT Earl S. (Jeff) Baker, 92, of Salem, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2014. Jeff was a decorated veteran of WWII, serving in the Mighty Eighth Air Force, his highest award being the Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation in Black Thursday, the second Schienfurt raid over Germany. He was born on December 20, 1921 in Salem to the late Ada and John Baker. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Margaret. His surviving family includes his sister, Mary Hancock; his son, Bob Baker (Rosa); his two step-children whom he loved as his own, Lee Eubanks (Cheryl) and Cynthia Friesland (Danny); grandchildren, Bobby and Heath Baker, Bric, Lee, and Shelton Friesland, and Ricky Eubanks; four great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. He also leaves behind many of his fellow veterans and associate members of the Eighth Air Force Society. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 from 2 until 4 and 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. Funeral services to honor Jeff's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Gentle Shepherd Hospice at 6045 Peters Creek Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24019 or to Wounded Warrior Project at PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Arrangements by John M. Oakey and Son, Salem, 540-389-5441. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.First Visitation

Tuesday, October 28th, 2014 2:00pm - 4:00pm,

John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home

305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153

Second Visitation

Tuesday, October 28th, 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pm,

John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home

305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153

Service Information

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 2:00pm,

John M. Oakey & Son Chapel

305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153

Interment Location

Sherwood Memorial Park

1250 East Main Street Salem, VA