RICHARD DEAN BAKER

AUGUST 12, 2011

Richard Dean Baker, 65, of Fort Myers, Florida, and formerly of Lafayette, Indiana (Buck Creek), passed away on the morning of Friday, August 12, 2011. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana on June 8, 1946 to James Wayne and Maxine Louise Reynolds Baker. Richard graduated from East Tippecanoe High School in 1964 and attended Indiana State University, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He was married to Kay Anne Byers of Romney, Indiana on May 6, 1967.

Richard joined the military in 1966, completed flight school and basic training, and was initially stationed in Vietnam. He was a Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the US Army, 174th Assault Helicopter Company ("Sharks"), stationed in Vietnam. He later was stationed near Stuttgart, Germany accompanied by his wife. After an Honorable discharge from the Army he joined the US Army Reserves in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he served for many years. He obtained additional Commercial pilot ratings for Single and Multi-engine land airplane and Instrument rating. He then went on to complete air traffic control training in Indianapolis, Indiana. He worked as an air traffic controller for a total of 14 years at towers in Indianapolis Center, Alton Tower, Aurora Tower, and then at Purdue University Tower.

In 1984, Richard and his family moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where he worked for Lee County Mosquito Control District as a helicopter pilot, later to become an Inspector and an Entomological Aid. He also obtained his US Merchant Marine Officer Captain's License from the United States Coast Guard. 

Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, boating, camping, playing cards, crossword puzzles, and was a long-time fan of Purdue University basketball and football.

Richard is preceded in death by both parents; a sister, Patricia Lou; and a nephew, James Dean Roberts.

Richard is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kay Anne; a daughter, Kerri Anne Baker of Mulberry, Indiana; a son, Andrew Wayne Baker of Fort Myers, Florida; 2 sisters, Margaret Gross (husband Thornton) of Piedmont, South Carolina; Sara Roberts Marriott of Mulberry, Indiana; a brother, Thomas Wayne Baker (Carole) of Mulberry, Indiana; a mother-in-law, Clara Rosa Byers, of Romney, Indiana; 2 sisters-in-law, Mary Lou (Byers) Miller of Carmel, California; Marsha Rose Byers of Romney, Indiana; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.