William Marvin Baker's Obituary
Age 88, died peacefully on September 17, 2009. He was born December 4, 1920 in Hernando County, Florida and grew up in the town of Brooksville. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Navy in April, 1941. While training to be a pilot, he met the love of his life, Wanda. He kept the romance alive during the war by making regular trips back to Dallas to see Wanda from wherever he was stationed. Bill received his Ensign Commission in Pensacola, Florida and went on to fly a variety of aircraft including the B-24, B-25 and PBY’s. Returning to Texas after the war, he proposed to Wanda, and they were married in the fall of 1946. Bill enrolled at SMU for classes in bookkeeping and accounting. He set up his own accounting practice and served a variety of companies in the Dallas area which he maintained until his retirement in 1998. Bill and his wife were blessed with two fine sons. He was a faithful Christian and has been a member at Wilshire Baptist Church for nearly 40 years, where he enjoyed the warmth and fellowship of his Sunday School classes. Bill was an avid amateur photographer who took great pleasure in documenting not only family events but also the beauty he found in nature. As happy and fulfilling as Bill’s life had been, the next phase brought great joy his two beloved grandsons. All who knew him will miss his smile, sense of humor and warm, gentle demeanor. Left to cherish his memory are sons and daughters-in-law; Ron and Mary Baker, Ken and Martha Baker; grandsons and granddaughters-in-law Scott and Michelle Baker, Mark and Abi Baker; and great grandson Zeke Baker. Pallbearers include Mark Baker, Scott Baker, Joe Cawthon, David Fields, Allen Woodard, Bill Woodard, and Chuck Woodard. The family will receive visitors Monday, September 21st from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Restland Funeral Home. Services will be held 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 22nd at Restland’s Wildwood Chapel. He will be laid to rest in the family plot at Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park. We would like to extend our gratitude to his caregivers at Doctor’s Healthcare and Hospice Plus.
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