FRANKLIN
Ion Baker Jr., 91, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, in Franklin. He was a resident of Franklin.
He was born on Oct. 20, 1924, in Charlotte, Michigan. His parents were Ion Baker and Buehla (Bennett) Baker. Ion married Clara Louise (Hawes) Baker.
He is survived by sons, Gary Baker of Battle Creek, Michigan; Jeff Baker of Battle Creek, Michigan; and Rod and wife, Pam Taylor of Franklin.
Also surviving are grandchildren, Troy (Andi) Taylor of Charlotte Hall, Maryland, Matt (Ruby) Taylor of Greenwood, Josh (Robin) Kinnick of Indianapolis, Amber Palonen of Battle Creek, Michigan, Shannon Baker of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Seth D. Tankersly of Seymour; and great-grandchildren, Clay Taylor, Carli Taylor, Chase Taylor, Asha Taylor, Luke Taylor, Brandon Kinnick, Natalie Kinnick and Landon Tankersly.
He was preceded in passing by his mother and stepfather, Buehla and Chuck Crippin; father, Ion Baker; wife, Clara L. Baker; sister and brother-in-law, Coleen Knight and Robert Knight; stepdaughter, Tammie S. (Taylor) Tankersly; and daughter-in -law, Rahleen Baker.
Ion attended school in Battle Creek, Michigan. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during World War II as acting body guard in the Military Police Unit for Major General Frank Culin Jr., 87th Infantry Division, “The Golden Acorn” in the European Theatre. He was part of the Normandy, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central European Campaigns. He participated in the Indy Honor Flight in September 2014.
He was a union painter. He was employed by various construction companies as a foreman, retiring in 1989.
He was a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.
A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin. Military honors will be held following the committal service at the cemetery.
Flinn & Maguire Funeral Home in Franklin is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.
Online condolences may be received at flinnmaguire.net.
