Curtis W Baker

Our Patriarch, Our Hero, Our Number One, Curt Baker was tragically taken from us on July 1, 2014. We were cheated when somebody set the Burlington Ave. residence on fire, a house he and his honey, Nellie, worked so hard to make a home. Surrounded by the unconditional love of his family, he left us at the young age of 93 to be reunited far too soon with our beloved Angel, David, his son who passed just 25 days before.

Curtis Wayne Baker was born on a farm near Denver, Missouri on October 16, 1920 to William Charles and Rachael Vandella Miller Baker. When Curt was ten years old, his father passed away. Curtis’s mom got a live-in job working for some people, but they didn’t have room for Curtis, so he was put in a home called “The Home for Little Wanderers.” At the young age of 12 Curt started taking every odd job he could to earn every quarter possible.

Curtis was a proud Veteran of the United States Army. He served as a combat squad leader in the “Thunderbolt” 83rd Division, 331st Infantry during World War II, earning a Bronze Star and three Bronze Battle Stars. Curtis fought in several key battles throughout the European theatre, including the infamous Battle of the Bulge. He also fought in the Battle of Rhineland, more commonly known as Operation Overlord, which was one of the deadliest battles in the war.

He married Letty Thouvenel, and from this marriage three children were born, Curtis Jr., Kathy, and Gary.

In 1960, as manager of Singer Sewing Machine Co, Curt put an ad in the paper to hire a bookkeeper. In walked Nellie Antillon. He said hiring her was the best decision of his life. They fell in love, married, and had three children, David, Linda and Jana. He was happiest when he was with his family. The “Baker 5” had so many good times together, whether building and starting Saticoy Little League, traveling through 13 states while David raced motocross - making many friends along the way - or decorating the family home for Halloween and Christmas, making it the house everyone looked forward to seeing. His passion was making his family happy.

Just when he thought his life was complete, along came his six grandchildren. His heart overflowed with happiness. He instilled the importance of family, showed us unconditional love, and helped create a home where being together became everyone’s priority. Holidays, birthdays, and game days were all spent at the family home on Burlington.

After the arrival of his first great grandson, “Big K,” we became known as the “Baker 13.” We were Baker Strong!

The Baker 13 was blessed to have the greatest man be our husband, daddy, and poppa. He was the most loving, kind hearted, soft-spoken, true gentleman who has ever walked this Earth. We will all continue to aspire to follow the example that he set for us.

A suspicious fire was set in the garage of the Baker home Sunday, June 29. If it hadn’t been for the heroic actions of Kim Freetly and neighbors, especially Rich Meixner, John and Janis Farr, and Darrell McMillan, who risked their own lives, Dad could have burned to death, and we could have lost our mom, too, who at 110 pounds was somehow able to get her 185-pound Honey down the stairs from the second floor to the wonderful neighbors who stepped in and got Dad out of the burning house. The family will forever be grateful to our neighborhood angels, our heroes.

Pops will forever be missed and in the hearts of his honey of 52 years, Nellie Baker; daughters, Linda Baker Torres and Jana B Cooksey; grandchildren, Chianne, Karyssa, Danika, Kiefer, Dane and DJ; great grandson, Kingston; and sons-in-law Rick Torres and Bob Cooksey. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, David, only 25 days earlier. It eases our pain a little knowing that Dad and David are both whole again, watching over and protecting us. We couldn’t ask for two better angels.

Dad is also survived by his children Curt Jr. (Judy), Kathy Miller, and Gary (Debbie). He had another five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Many others will feel his loss, including four brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends, too many to name.

A visitation will be held at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. with a prayer vigil beginning at 6:00 p.m. Mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at Sacred Heart Church, 10800 Henderson Road, Ventura. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura. A Celebration of Curt’s life will be held at Knights of Columbus, 36 Figueroa Street, Ventura, following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation at http://www.youcaring.com/other/baker-family-rebuild/198663 to help rebuild the family home.

We love you, Pops…. MORE!

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.