Harry Eugene Baker

HARRY EUGENE BAKER Harry Eugene Baker was born June 20, 1923 the fourth child of Charlotte and Lester Baker. He left for that big garage in the sky July 23, 2011 at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Harry married his sweetheart and soul mate of 65 years Joyce Helena Hammond on April 20, 1946 in Aztec, N.M. This union produced four children, Linda Benshoof of Cortez, Gene Baker and wife, Cheryl of Cortez, Sandi Baker of Cortez, and Nana Bishop and husband, Randy of Pagosa Springs, Colo. Also surviving Harry are his 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, all of which he loved so dearly. Grandpa Harry was loved greatly by all of his grandkids. He is also survived by two sisters, Janice Johnson and Bernice Scheller and husband, Ernie, all of Cortez; and by his brother, Mervel Baker and wife, Teeny of San Leandro, Calif. Harry and his family came to Cortez by covered wagon in 1934. He graduated from Cortez Union High School in 1942. He joined the Navy in 1943 and served during World War II. Harry was also a volunteer fireman for over 20 years and served as Chief for many years. He was also a life member of the Cortez Elks Lodge. Most of all, Harry Baker will be remembered as a worker. He started out at Wilkes Bozeman's Garage when he returned from the Navy. He spent a few years at Helm's Motors and finally, worked for 27 years as the mechanic for Empire Electric. When he wasn't working on his job he was working at home. Whether fixing a neighbor's car, building something on his house, or tending his garden, Harry was always working on something. He was a great provider for his family for all his years. Harry will be greatly missed by his family and anyone who knew him. At his request, Harry will be cremated and no services will be held.