John Theodore Baker passed away after a short illness on June 3, 2021, at the Sumner County Hospital in Caldwell, KS. John was born November 6, 1921, in Caldwell, KS to Charley M. and Vlasta Cadek Baker. He attended school in the one room Country King Grade School in Sumner County, KS. John graduated from Caldwell High School in 1939.
John served in the United States Army beginning August 9, 1942. He received his training in Livingston, LA, and camped in California with the 95th Division. He was sent overseas on August of 1943. John was wounded during World War II while in Saarlautern, Germany, for which he received the Purple Heart Medal for his effort during the war. He was Honorably Discharged on December 3, 1945.
John came home to farm with his dad. He met Lavona Louise Selmat at a country dance.
They were married August 18, 1951 and moved to a farm 5 ½ miles north of Caldwell where they farmed wheat and raised cattle and chickens. To this union, three children were born: Joyce Elaine, Sharon Kay, and Christopher John. In March 1997, they moved to 311 N Osage, Caldwell, KS. John and Lavona were going to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on August 18, 2021.
Preceding him in death are his parents, sister Lillian Kolarik and brothers: Edwin Baker and Henry Baker.
Survivors include his wife Lavona, daughter Joyce Elaine Hodson of South Riding, VA; daughter Sharon Kay and her husband Bob Pameticky of Edmond, OK; son Christopher John and his wife Angela Baker, and his brother Tom Baker all of Caldwell, KS. Survivors also include eight grandchildren: Tyler Lee Hodson and wife Anndrea of Nazareth, PA; Aaron Michael Hodson and wife Lori of Oakton, VA; Brandon Kyle Hodson of Stafford, VA; Bridget Lynn DeNoya of Shawnee, OK; Sarah Jo Pattison of Edmond, OK; Eric Jon Pameticky and wife Elysia of
Skiatook, OK; Rylee Danielle Baker and Jace Andrew Baker of Caldwell, KS. Surviving great-grandchildren are: Madelyn, Nathan, Logan, and Autumn Hodson; Alex and Lily Hodson; Branson Berry, Jacob and Beau Murphy; Ella, Jordan, and Dylan Pattison; Dilon and Landon Broughton and Conrad Pameticky. In addition, there are other surviving nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 7, 2021 at the Caldwell City Cemetery in Caldwell, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to the CHS Activity Fund or to the Sumner County Hospital District #1 Construction Fund and sent in care of the mortuary.
Visitation will be held 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
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