Gale E. Baker (January 29, 2012)

Gale E. Baker, age 89 of Greenville, Ohio passed away on Sunday January 29, 2012 at 5:27 AM at his residence. He was born August 31, 1922 in Darke County, Ohio the son of the late Ray E. & Lillie (Ryan) Baker. He worked as a machinist and tool maker at New Deal Tool and Machine Company, Dayton, Ohio.

He served in the United States Army 83th Infantry Division during World War II where he was a prisoner of war in Germany for 138 days. He received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, & 2 Overseas Service Bars.

He was a member of the Church of Christ, Greenville, Ohio, Disabled American Veterans Darke County Chapter # 57, Greenville VFW # 7262, Greenville American Legion Post # 140, also the 40/8 at the American Legion, Greenville Moose Lodge # 329, former member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, Louisville, Kentucky, former member of the 83th Infantry Division Association, Kentucky Chapter.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 1st Wife: Irene L. Baker on January 13, 1999; brothers: Cecil & Willard Baker; sister: Betty Mailhot

He is survived by his wife: Ethel May (Crail) Baker of Greenville; sons & daughters in law: Steven & Karen Baker of Greenville, Ron & Shirley Baker of Arcanum, Gale D. Baker of Arcanum; step children & spouses: Ronald Lee & Kathy Spears of Florida, Michelen & Jerry Weaver of Indiana, Steven R. & Debbie Spears of North Carolina; grandchildren & spouses: Craig S. Baker of California, Julian & David Jones of Greenville, Kendra R. Baker of Troy, Lee Alan & Melissa Baker of Covington, Kentucky; step grandchildren & spouses: Amy Rose of Texas, Terry & Jamie Russ of Florida, Tonya & David Vanschmittou of South Carolina, Shannon Lee & Christy Spears of Florida, Heather & Dan Palermiti of Texas; 18 great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Thursday February 2, 2012 at 3:00 PM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio with Symon Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow in St. Johns Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Thursday at the funeral home. Full Veteran’s services will be conducted by the Greenville Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to State of the Heart Hospice.

Condolences for the family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com