Obituary of George E. Baker

Mr. George Edward Baker, age 86, of Aho Road, Blowing Rock, died Saturday afternoon, May 24, 2008 at Watauga Medical Center. Born in Catawba County October 21, 1921, he was a son of the late Preston Hoke and Lizzie Emma Eckard Baker. Mr. Baker was a retired North Carolina State Trooper, having served 35 years, 2 months and 29 days. He was a veteran of WWII having served as a Staff Sergeant with the US Air Force. George was a member of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon. He was a former Scout Master with Troop 110 in Blowing Rock. George was a 32nd degree Mason, a member and past Master of Snow Lodge # 363 AF& AM, a member of the Winston-Salem Scottish Rite and a member of Oasis Shrine Temple. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Virginia Denny Baker, one daughter; Vivian Baker Richards and husband Larry, one son; James Edward Baker and wife Sheree of Asheville, one granddaughter; Carrie Richards Phillips and husband Todd of Boone, three grandsons; Robby Baker and Bradley Baker both of Asheville and Travis Richards of Boone, and two great grandsons, Chance and Chase Phillips of Boone. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters; Vivian Gilbert and Margaretta Eckard, two brothers; Forrest and Hoke Baker, and one grandson; Jason Scott Baker. Funeral services for Mr. George Edward Baker will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o�clock at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. Officiating will be Rev. Richard Holshouser and Rev. Gordon Noble. Burial with Masonic Graveside Rites will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Shriner�s Children Hospital, in care of Oasis Shrine Temple, P O Box 560666, Charlotte, NC 28256. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:30 until 8 o�clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Baker family.