PAUL VERNON BAKER

Paul Vernon Baker, 95, of Lodi, CA passed away after a long illness on 12/16/16. He was born and raised in Sigel, Illinois where he worked in his family well drilling business E.C. Baker & Sons. Paul served in the Army for 3 years in Panama Canal returning home to marry Wilmajean Hill in 1945. They took care of 27 foster children between 1953 and 1958. They did not get paid as the children came directly from the courts when no one else would take them, until homes were found for them. They moved to Lodi in 1958 where he worked at http:// www.shipbuildinghistory.com/ shipyards/small/colberg.htm as a steam fitter for 20 years, then for 2 years in the bay area. In 1973 they purchased The House of Crafts retiring in 1982. He loved camping and fishing. Over the years he belonged to many organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, Lodi Moose Lodge, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars at WestPoint, CA, and American Legion Post 22. He was an active member of St Anne’s Catholic Church till his illness.

Paul is survived by his grandsons, Chad and Jon (Tovah); two great grandchildren, Annabella and Liam; daughter-in-law Debi and siblings Norman, Newton, Illinois; Lowell Thomas, Effingham, Illinois; Arthur, Sigel, Illinois; James Curtis, Effingham, Illinois; Donald, Neoga, Illinois; and Bonnie, Sigel, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents Earl Cuba Baker Sr. and Hester Hedwig Wolf Baker, his wife, Wilmajean, son Paul William (Bill), and siblings Earl Baker Jr., Sara Carpenter, Floyd, Vernon, Loretta Tegeler, Max, and George William.

Viewing is on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 10 AM to 8 PM and Rosary will be held 6 PM at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi. Mass will be on Thursday, December 22, at 10 AM, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 215 W. Walnut St, Lodi.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.