Paul R Baker

September 21, 1914 – August 22, 2012

Paul R. Baker, the youngest of seven children, was born September 21, 1914 in Greenville, PA to George B. and Lulu G. Snyder Baker. Raised in Greenville, Paul graduated from Greenville High School in 1928, and like many young people, sought new horizons. His parents provided a one-way train ticket to Gunnison, CO where two brothers lived. Homesick after approximately six months, he returned to Pennsylvania for another two years before returning to Western Colorado, which would be his home for the next 76 years.

Paul was drafted into the U.S. Army at the beginning of WWII and completed combat training in Brownwood, TX before being shipped overseas in 1943. Mr. Baker served in the European Theatre, received the Bronze Star and was honorably discharged in 1946. Paul farmed briefly in Loma with his brother before joining the C. D. Smith Drug Co. in Grand Junction, where he roller skated while filling prescriptions. After leaving C. D. Smith, Paul began a nearly 40-year career in the feed and grain business, working first for Max Osborn at the Osborn Feed Mill in Fruita for 27 years, then Farmland Industries and retiring in 1977 from the Craig Feed Mill in Craig, CO.

Mr. Baker was a member of the First Congregational Church, UCC in Grand Junction, a 66-year member of the Masonic Lodge, serving as Worshipful Master of Hesperia Lodge in Fruita and also belonged to the Order of Eastern Star. However, he was dedicated to making Fruita a better community and became the Charter President of the Fruita Lions Club in 1957. He was instrumental in the cleanup and beautification of Fruita’s Circle Park, the repainting of Lower Valley Hospital and worked tirelessly for the Club’s many service projects and fundraisers. Paul became the club’s first Melvin Jones Fellow in 1989, the prestigious award presented by Lions Club International for dedicated humanitarian services. In 2006 he received the Humanitarian Award from the Colorado Lions Foundation for 50 years of service. Mr. Baker remained active in the Fruita Lions Club until 2009 when his health prevented him from doing so. Devoted to his family and the celebrations of their lives, Paul was also a well-rounded man with diverse interests – camping, fishing, travelling, golfing, walking and woodworking.

Mr. Baker married Alice M. Tufly in Brownwood, TX on November 30, 1942. Mrs. Baker preceded him in death on September 9, 2003. He is survived by two daughters, Penny Addams and Pam (Joe) Hambright. Other survivors include his beloved grandchildren, Pat (Shannon) Hambright, Annie Hambright (Jeff) Coghill, William Hambright, Andreson Hambright, Holly Addams (Christopher) Prickett and Kelly Addams (Christian) Gonzalez. Eight Great Grandchildren, Parker Smith, Devin Hambright, Max Hambright, Savannah Hambright, Hudson Hambright, Luke Hambright, Kailea Coghill and Makynna Prickett complete his immediate family. He is also survived by nephews, Arthur Melvin and Thomas (Marge) Baker and nieces, Lillian (Peter) Ward, Mary Lou Landis and Sandra (John) Pennington. Mr. Baker was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Grace (Glenn) Melvin and brothers, Frank (Jane), Fred (Bell), Harry, William (Maude) and LaVere (Elsie) Baker.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 28 at 10 am at the First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th Street, with Rev. Sharyl B. Peterson officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fruita Lions Club, PO Box 99, Fruita, CO 81521. Friend may leave condolences at www.martinmortuary.com