In Memory Of
Ronald Lee Baker
1931
2017
Ronald Lee Baker
June 28, 1931 — September 25, 2017
Ronald Lee Baker, 86, in the last survivor of nine children of Robert James and Mary Jane Baker. On June 28, 1931, he was born a 14 pound baby in Kirksville, MO. The family lived and farmed in the rural communities of Milton and Troy, Iowa. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Roberta (died at age 5), Twila, (Joe) Ward, Geneva (Cecil) Clark, Mary Louise (Don) Price, Virginia (Stanley) Roberts, Beverly (Bill) Grogan, and his brothers: Ralph and Richard Baker.
At age 16 Ron joined the US Air Force in the field of education. He proudly served in Korea, Vietnam, and Germany, ending his 20 year career at the Lowry Air Base in Denver, CO. Shortly after joining the service Ron returned home to Pulaski, Iowa to marry Shirley Augspurger on June 9, 1950. They became the parents of Ronney Leland, and Cynthia Rae Baker, and grandparents to Shelby Baker from Portland, Oregon. As he was ending his military career in 1966-1967, he and Shirley divorced. On August 12, 1967 he married Alice Carolynn O'Connell. The couple made their home on Kentucky Ave. in Aurora, Colorado where they just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
After he retired from the Air Force, Ron worked as a Salesman for Sears Automotive, bar tender and cook for the Twilight Golf Restaurant, and head advisor and mentor of the Baker household. He went on to become a surrogate father to Jeanetta Bridgewaters and 'Grandpa' to her four children, Jazmine, Taniya, Jeremiah and Avah Sophia, all from Aurora, Colorado. He is survived by his wife and children, and grandchildren, and his good friend Ray Wilson. His five sisters also made him 'Uncle Ronnie' to many nieces and nephews.
Ron worked hard and played equally as hard. He was a hunter, fisherman, golfer, and TV fan of sports and old Westerns. For the last years of his life he struggled with heart and lung complications; but he was always pleased when he could share some of his life's escapades with the visiting nurses and other willing listeners.
Ron and his wife, Alice are so grateful for the care and assistance given by the Denver Hospice Staff. Please send memorials to The Denver Hospice, 501 S. Cherry Street, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80246.
To share a memory of Ronald or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
At age 16 Ron joined the US Air Force in the field of education. He proudly served in Korea, Vietnam, and Germany, ending his 20 year career at the Lowry Air Base in Denver, CO. Shortly after joining the service Ron returned home to Pulaski, Iowa to marry Shirley Augspurger on June 9, 1950. They became the parents of Ronney Leland, and Cynthia Rae Baker, and grandparents to Shelby Baker from Portland, Oregon. As he was ending his military career in 1966-1967, he and Shirley divorced. On August 12, 1967 he married Alice Carolynn O'Connell. The couple made their home on Kentucky Ave. in Aurora, Colorado where they just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
After he retired from the Air Force, Ron worked as a Salesman for Sears Automotive, bar tender and cook for the Twilight Golf Restaurant, and head advisor and mentor of the Baker household. He went on to become a surrogate father to Jeanetta Bridgewaters and 'Grandpa' to her four children, Jazmine, Taniya, Jeremiah and Avah Sophia, all from Aurora, Colorado. He is survived by his wife and children, and grandchildren, and his good friend Ray Wilson. His five sisters also made him 'Uncle Ronnie' to many nieces and nephews.
Ron worked hard and played equally as hard. He was a hunter, fisherman, golfer, and TV fan of sports and old Westerns. For the last years of his life he struggled with heart and lung complications; but he was always pleased when he could share some of his life's escapades with the visiting nurses and other willing listeners.
Ron and his wife, Alice are so grateful for the care and assistance given by the Denver Hospice Staff. Please send memorials to The Denver Hospice, 501 S. Cherry Street, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80246.
To share a memory of Ronald or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald Lee Baker, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Service
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Starts at 12:00 pm (Mountain time)
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