John Raymond Baker, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Carson City on March 31, 2011.
John was born on June 2, 1923, in Yerington to John and Hazel Baker. He spent his childhood years in Yerington and graduated from Yerington High School. He then attended University of Nevada, Reno where he was a member of Lambda Chi, then attended Frank Wiggins Trade & Technical School in Los Angeles, attaining a degree in electrical engineering.
John married his college sweetheart, Bernardina Murphy, in December 1947 in Reno, and they settled in Carson City to raise their family. He owned and operated Baker Electric for more than 30 years. From the time he moved to Carson City, John was a faithful and devoted member of St. Teresa's of Avila Catholic Community and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Builders Association of Western Nevada and was recognized in its Hall of Fame in 1999, governor of Northern Nevada Chapter of Electrical Contractors, a member of National Electrical Contractors Association, in which he also held the office of president, served on the Carson City Regional Planning Commission, and was a member of various other service organizations.
John was preceded in death by his parents, brother Curtis and sister Lolabelle. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bernardina, and his five daughters: Charlene Dambacher (Gary), Joan Gardner (Grant), Mary Mattingly (Greg), Diane Roberts (Terry) and Peggy Hoogs (Steve). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Meghan, Meredy, McKenzie, Amity, Abbey, Murphy, Carly, Lauren, Alex, Molly, Lauren and Hannah.
A funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2011, at St. Teresa, 3000 N. Lompa Lane, Carson City. Immediately preceding the funeral, there will be a viewing 9-10 a.m. and a rosary at 10 a.m. in the church chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family would like any donations sent to St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Community.
The family would like to thank the staff of Life Care Center of Reno and St. Mary's Hospice. John will be truly and forever missed by his family and many friends.
