Gary Baker
March 27, 1945 ~ February 18, 2022
Gary Leroy Baker, 76, of Mechanicsville, Iowa, died on Friday, February 18, 2022. Visitation: 4 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at the Mechanicsville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville.
Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Gary's Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Becky; children, Chris (Lora) Baker, Dan (Dana Lighthall) Baker, and Heidi (Ken Wendt) Baker; grandchildren, Dalton (Liz) Robinson, Cody (Morgan Loney) Baker, Ryan Baker, Caleb Baker, and Lexi Jo Baker; and great grandchildren, Allison and Aiden.
He is also survived by his siblings, Sharon (Orv) Banasik, Ron (Kathie) Baker, and Sandra Burns; a special big brother, James 'Jack' Glover; in-laws, Cindy (John) Pieper, Mike Smith, and Steve Smith; and his faithful dog, Bella Jo.
Gary was born on March 27, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Melvin and Jean Baker. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1963, where he was very active in Future Farmers of America (FFA). Gary attended college at Clinton Community College and Iowa State University before returning to the area to begin his life as a dedicated farmer. Gary loved everything about being a farmer, including the hard work it took to be successful. Even in retirement, he enjoyed reliving the memories, especially sharing his passion with his grandchildren. He taught them a lot about farming and livestock.
On September 5, 1970, Gary married the love of his life, Becky Smith, at the Mechanicsville United Methodist Church. He was active in the community over the years, including serving as member and past president of the Anamosa Jaycees (receiving the Outstanding Young Farmer Award), chair of the church Administrative Council and trustee of the church, member of the Jones County Pork Producers (receiving the Master Pork Producer Award), and on the board of Linn Mutual Insurance.
In his free time, he enjoyed model trains and worked diligently to restore his Ford tractor. Gary's love for his family will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Fred and Alice Baker and Mervin and Katherine Baker, in-laws, Francis and Frances Smith and Debi Smith.
Memorials are suggested to the Mechanicsville United Methodist Church or the Mechanicsville Fire and Ambulance.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Mount Vernon
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family. Love, Angie and Emma
Prayers for peace and comfort.
Thinking of you all and sending our deepest sympathy ❤️
Deepest sympathy from your friends at AgVantage FS.
Sent with love and remembrance
I will never forget the kindness of my friend, Gary. He always was there to lend a hand. We both shared trials and tribulations as Anamosa Jay Cee presidents. May God’s grace be with family and friends at this sad time.
Gary was such a fun guy to be around. I enjoyed my time with him teaching Sunday school. Jay and I send prayers and love to Becky all of the Baker clan. Love, Judy & Jay Hartman
Garry and I were introduced at a family gathering 56 years ago–he has been a great cousin to me (a cousin out-law), and has my complete respect. He is a great family member, a faithful father and husband, and a superior community member. I miss him greatly. Jay Clark
Thoughts and prayers to the Baker family ,Gary and I were classmates from kindergarten thru high school,we shared a lot of memories especially In FFA!Sorry for your loss and may he Rest In Peace God Bless
Gary was a close neighbor of ours. He was a year ahead of me in school and we rode the school bus together. We were in FFA together and a enjoy working on our cars together. Sorry for your loss and may he Rest In Peace.
Gary was a great friend and neighbor for many years. He lived courageously these last few years. Prayers for healing to Becky and the entire family
Only recently have I learned of Gary Baker’s passing. My sincere condolences to Gary’s family. During Gary’s youth, and my youth, I attended Mechanicsville, Iowa grade-school with Gary Baker. My family moved away from the Mechanicsville area during the year of my 7th grade class. And I lost contact Gary as well as most of my Mechanicsville classmates. Time spent with Gary Baker in the classroom or on the playground was always great fun when we were just kids. My memories of Gary are clear and bright. I am certain all of his Mechanicsville classmates remember Gary Baker well. Gary Burk (Formerly Mechanicsville, Iowa) Libertyville, Illinois