Larry E. Baker

Larry E. Baker was called home to glory by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 9, 2004.

He was born on August 9, 1942, in Kalispell. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1961 and spent his career of 31 1/2 years working with Stoltze Lumber mill in Columbia Falls. He was an active member of the Central Christian Church in Kalispell and previous to his membership there, he was very active in the First Christian Church in Columbia Falls. He served as a volunteer firefighter with the Badrock Fire Department for 23 years. Larry was a very honorable, loving, and kind man who was a friend to everyone. He shared his life with and is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda Johnson Baker, of Columbia Falls. They shared in everything life had to offer, including a personal walk with God, and lived faithfully and loyal to each other.

Larry most of all enjoyed his family, spoiling his grandchildren, and spending time with his wife. He enjoyed flower gardening, working on cars, boating.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Everett Baker and Clara Naethe Baker. Survivors include a daughter, Nicole Gray and husband Jim of Columbia Falls, a son, Jason Baker and wife Holly of Columbia Falls; five wonderful grandchildren, Kaylee and Meghan Gray and Ashlynn, Zachary, and Hannah Baker, whom he loved very much. He is also survived by his brothers, Leroy Baker of Libby, Martin Baker of Las Vegas, David Baker of Columbia Falls, and a sister, Sylvia Hatten of Columbia Falls.

A funeral service was held at the Central Christian Church on July 13, with a graveside committal service at Fairview Cemetery near Columbia Falls. The Rev. Jan Van der Pol of the Central Christian Church presided, assisted by the Rev. Kent Morrison of the First Baptist Church in Whitefish.

The family suggests memorials to the Central Christian Church, 248 2nd Ave. E., Kalispell, MT 59901 or to the Badrock Volunteer Fire Department, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls was in charge of arrangements.