Dwight Baker

Dwight Leo "Spud" Baker, 85, of Jackson passed away peacefully Monday, Oct. 31, 2005, at his home.

Dwight was born Oct. 7, 1920, at Caledonia, Mo., son of John and Ada May Buxton Baker. He and Annabell Elliott were married in 1945 in Granite City, Ill. Annabell and his infant daughter, Jennifer, preceded him in death. He and Joyce "Joy" Shrum were married Nov. 30, 1974, in Cape Girardeau.

Dwight's early years were spent between Caledonia and Granite City, where he was one of the original members of the Lizard Club (YMCA), and also won trophies as a table tennis player.

He was a pilot in the 464 Bombardment Group (H), 776 Bombardment Squadron (H), the 15th Air Force during World War II. He successfully flew 50 missions in the European Theater.

Dwight was employed in the trucking industry most of his working career, having worked at L.A. Tucker Truck Lines, Kimbel, Southern Express, and ABF. He was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Richard W. Baker (Judy) of Jackson; three grandsons, Mark Baker (Kim) of Jackson, Ben Baker of St. Louis, Tony Baker of Tanzania, Africa; and three great-grandchildren, Austin, Tori and Ryan of Jackson.

As the family patriarch he was greatly loved and his memory will be forever in the hearts of his loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Gib, Earl, Clyde and Virgil; and a sister, Lucille.

Friends may call at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. John Rice officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at Bellevue Presbyterian Cemetery in Caledonia.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to Bellevue Presbyterian Cemetery.