SSgt. Paul Lee Baker Ret. U.S. Army

St. Martinville – A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for SSgt. Paul L. Baker, Ret. US Army, 85, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church. Fr. Rusty Richard was the celebrant. Interment followed at St. Michael’s Mausoleum with full Military Honors conducted by the Fort Polk Military Honors Team.
A gathering of family and friends was held at Evangeline Funeral Home of St. Martinville on Monday from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. with the Rosary being prayed at 7 p.m. Visiting hours resumed on Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.
Paul was born November 15, 1931, in Pawnee, Illinois to the late Charles Baker and the late Grace Buckingham Baker and was raised in Springfield, Ill. He passed away peacefully on Friday, January 13, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Paul served his country as a Veteran of the United States Army, having retired with 29½ years of service. During those years, he traveled extensively overseas and fought in both the Korean War and Vietnam War with numerous medals and citations received. Some of his pastimes were feeding and watching the hummingbirds and cardinals that visited his home, and doing carpentry. He and his wife were also avid St. Louis Cardinals fans and enjoyed watching a game when they were on. Most important was that Paul was a man that loved being with his family. He adored his children, grandchildren, and all of the great and great great grandkids. Their time spent with him will be cherished and he will be missed dearly by all. Rest in Peace “Papop.” We love you.
Survivors include his daughter, Donna Marie Guidry of Parks; four grandchildren, Joseph Raymond Dore and wife Ann Marie, Lisa Thomas and husband John, Paul Doré and wife Stephanie, and Andrew Loeb; 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren with one on the way; his brothers and sisters, Russell Baker, Floyd Baker, Helen Horn and Alice Crowe; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Melancon Baker; his children, Yvonne Fabacher, Dale Fabacher, Ricky Lynn Fabacher, Paul Sazin Baker and Grace Baker; and six siblings.
Honored to serve as pallbearers were Paul, Raymond and John Doré, Andrew Loeb, John and Hunter Thomas and the United States Army. Honorary pallbearers were Ozaire Bonin, KeKe Bourque Sr. and Ty Melancon.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Baker’s name to your local Humane Society.
To view the online obituary and video tribute, and to share memories of Paul, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.