He was born in Moline, IL and raised in Davenport, IA. He went to Carthage College (IL) on a dual scholarship for basketball and baseball. After graduation, Gary worked for the Department of Army at the Rock Island Arsenal before moving to Maryland and joining the Department of Navy. He retired in 2006 from the Department of Navy’s SPAWAR System after having a distinguished career of over 40 years.
Gary was passionate about sailing, the Washington Nationals, auto racing, farming, music, and especially spending time with his family. The light of his life were his five grandchildren whom he doted on.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (née Krone) and Harold Baker.
Gary is survived by his wife Mary (née McCauley) of almost 47 years; his brother Dale (Linda) Baker (Golden, CO); children Todd (Steffie) (The Hague, Netherlands), Jennifer (Joe) Howard (Washington, DC), and Amanda (Brian) Foley (Stafford, VA); grandchildren Silke Baker, Thorsten Baker, Jonas Howard, Danika Howard, and Axel Foley. He is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 18 from 2pm -3pm at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service in Stafford, VA. A memorial service and reception at the funeral home will follow after the visitation.
Online condolences may be sent at www.mullinsthompsonstafford.com
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