George L. Baker

Thursday, February 10, 2022

George L. Baker

Feb. 12, 1949 - Feb. 8, 2022

CULBERTSON, Neb. — George L. Baker, age 72, of Culbertson, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, at Community Hospital in McCook, Neb.

George was born Feb. 12, 1949, in Stokesdale, N.C., to parents, Charles and Maude (Meadows) Baker. He was one of eight children. George grew up in North Carolina, graduating from high school in 1969 from East Forsyth Senior High School.

Following high school, George enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country from Oct. 14, 1969 to Aug. 10, 1984. He served in the Vietnam War and was awarded a defense service medal, combat infantry badge, parachute badge, Vietnam service medal, republic of Vietnam campaign medal, and the Vietnam cross of gallantry with palm. While stationed in Italy for five years, he also received the following awards: Army commendation medal, Army service ribbon, and overseas service ribbon.

On July 9, 1977, George married the love of his life, Janet (Howell) Baker in Colorado Springs, Colo.  Together they raised three children.  

George enjoyed drag racing and raced on the Army Team while in the service. He loved old cars and owned several Corvettes. His love of speed earned him several speeding tickets over the years. He was an Elvis Presley fan and enjoyed collecting and selling gold, riding horses, studying history and reading. George lived in Italy for five years and in his spare time he restored furniture and dabbled in interior design.  He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  

George was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Francis Stigall, Jane Smith and Linda Young; as well as his brother, Buddy Baker.

Those left to celebrate his life include his wife, Janet Baker of Culbertson; son, George (Heather) Baker, Jr. of Stokesdale, N.C.; two daughters, Kimberly (Mike) Gessell of Claremore, Okla., and Adriann (Spencer) Smith of McCook; two brothers, John (Shirley) Baker and Glen (Angel) Baker, all of Kernersville, N.C.; sister, Brenda Lane of King, N.C.; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family members.  

Graveside services with Military Honors will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Brother Josh Neuffer officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook, has been entrusted with the arrangements.  Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.