RETIRED JUDGE AND PROSECUTOR CHARLES BAKER DEAD AT 77

KENNETT, Mo. -- A former Dunklin County judge and longtime prosecutor for the county has died at 77.

Charles Hamilton Baker of Kennett died Wednesday, March 21, at the Heritage Nursing Center.

Baker arrived in Dunklin County after graduating from Washington University in St. Louis in 1948.

He first arrived in Malden and entered into law practice with Veryl Riddle. In 1962, he succeeded Clarence Overby, who died in office, as prosecuting attorney. He served as prosecuting attorney through 1968. In 1970 he was re-elected and served until 1977.

In 1977, he was appointed and served as associate circuit judge. He served in that capacity until he retired in December 1989.