Melvin H. Baker

Melvin Henry Baker was born July 24, 1936, the son of Marvin and Vernette Baker. He died Monday, March 9, 2015, at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at the age of seventy-eight.
Melvin was born in Battle Creek, Iowa. He was baptized into faith on September 6, 1936, and later confirmed on April 2, 1950, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kiron, Iowa. Following his high school graduation, Melvin began farming and a livestock operation. Along with farming, he drove the school bus for 40 years where he enjoyed the children. Melvin was a member of the National Guard for three years before being honorably discharged. On August 28, 1955, he was united in marriage to Jeanine Neubauer and was blessed with the birth of four children.
Melvin and Jeanine raised their children in a very loving, family based home. They instilled in their children a love and compassion for the land and each other. He shared his love for farming with his grandchildren by taking them out to harvest. He enjoyed spraying for weeds on his four wheeler and caring for livestock. In their early years, Melvin and Jeanine, enjoyed fishing and bowling in leagues in Denison and Odebolt. Melvin had a great sense of humor and enjoyed watching comedies on TV. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching sports, especially Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears, playing darts and was a member of several card clubs. Melvin also served as President and usher at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Elder and voting member at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, and various other boards including Eventide and Co-Op.
Melvin is preceded in death by his parents and one son, Ryan. Survivors include: his wife, Jeanine; one daughter, Deb and her husband, Dan; two sons: Trent and his wife, Jodi; and Troy and his wife, Mindi; four grandchildren: Cortney and her husband, Jeff; Grant; Kaylie ; and Javin; two step-grandchildren: Rachel and her fiancee, Travis; and Jeremy; one great-grandchild, Addison; one sister; Marlyn and her husband, Verdell; many other relatives and friends.