Obituary of Harry L. Baker

Harry L. Baker, 90, of Lone Tree and formerly of Iowa City died Monday, June 1, 2009, at the Lone Tree Health Care Center in Lone Tree. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2009, at the United Presbyterian Church in Lone Tree. Visitation will be from 4 to 7pm Thursday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Interment will be at a later date in the Lone Tree Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Harry’s memory to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Iowa City. Online condolences may be sent through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Harry LaVerne Baker was born January 24, 1919, in Lone Tree, Iowa the son of Jacob W. and Jane A. (Leonard) Baker. He graduated from Lone Tree High School in 1938 where he excelled athletically. On January 18, 1942, he married Phyllis L. James in Muscatine. The couple made their home in Lone Tree where they farmed for many years. Harry also worked for the University of Iowa in Recreational Services for over twenty-one years before retiring in 1989. In 1991 the couple moved to Iowa City where they resided until moving back to Lone Tree last year. While living in Lone Tree Harry was very active in the United Methodist Church, holding many offices and positions within the church. He was a member of the Lone Tree Board of Education, having served as its President; a past member of the Abner Masonic Lodge #535; officiated basketball for the Iowa High School Athletic Union; and a member of the former Johnson County Agricultural Committee. While he lived in Iowa City he was a member of the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Harry has always been a sports enthusiast, especially when it came to the Iowa Hawkeyes! Harry’s warm smile and caring attitude will be missed most by his family and friends. His family includes his wife, Phyllis; children, Andrea Brenneman (Raymond) of Lone Tree, Lowell Baker (Helen) of Lone Tree, Debra Barkey of Azle, TX, and James Baker of North Liberty; six grandchildren, Karleen Knock (Jeff), Phillip Brenneman (Aimee), Lucas Baker (Jennifer), Rachel Smithmier (Eric) Jill and Kate Barkey; seven great-grandchildren, Avery, Alyssa, and Adam Knock, Harry Brenneman, Dustyn and Max Baker, and Ella Rose Smithmier. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Russell Baker, and sisters, Flossie Burr and Leonarda Briggs. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Harry’s family and his services.