Celebrating the life of
Henry M. Baker
November 13, 1920 - April 29, 2017
Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient
Henry M. Baker, 96, died Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Hospice Savannah, Inc. He was born in Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
He spent his childhood at “Glendobbin” his grandfather’s farm and later moved to High Point, NC as a young teen as his mother worked as a nurse. Mr. Baker left college early in 1942 and enlisted in the US Army. He completed his training as an officer and flight school at Moody Field in Valdosta, GA. After training, he was assigned to the Air Transport Command and flew single and multi-engine aircraft from the United States to Army Air Corps bases all over North Africa, Egypt, Iran and India. In April 1944, he was assigned to the 2nd. Air Transport Squadron organized at Homestead, FL. Using the very best air and ground crews, the intention of 2nd. ATS was forming a self-sustaining transport group to support the 20th. Air Force B-29 bomber unit wherever they might operate. He later was assigned to the 2nd. ATS base east of Cairo. He was later transferred to Cabua in the upper Asian valley of India (head hunter country), and finally to Luliang in southwest China. Luliang had one to the longest (12.500 ft.) and highest (6,064ft.) air bases in WWII. As part of the greatest generation and for serving his country, Mr. Baker was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
In 1949, he met and soon married Marguerite Kirkman Murray Baker making their home in High Point, NC. He began his work career with Slane Hoisery Mill. With his employment, he and his late wife of 63 years later located to Madison, NJ where they lived for many years and later retired to Savannah.
Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, F. West and Joyce Baker of Savannah; James E. and R.J. Baker of Brentwood, TN; three grandchildren, Jamie Lynn Baker, Lauren K. Baker, Jennifer P. Baker.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Beaufort National Cemetery.
Remembrances: Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
I had the pleasure of meeting Major Baker at Summer Breeze assisted living. He was a great American and a true gentleman of the highest order. Rest in peace dear friend. My condolences to the family.
- Michael Campbell, Savannah, GA
My deepest condolences to the Baker family. Henry was a dear friend and one of the finest men I've had the pleasure to meet. He and Marguerite are reunited again, as he always talked about. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Tim and Frances.
- Tim O'Hayer, Savannah, GA
Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your loved one. Death is not an easy thing to accept, it is a painful time in any family to experience. Please take comfort in the assurance of the Bible at Revelation 21:4 that soon death and sorrow and pain will be done away with. Also at John 5:28&29 Jehovah God promises a resurrection of our dead loved ones in a paradise earth. There is hope of seeing loved ones again.
- Walker family, ,
My sincerest condolences go out to your family, it's never easy losing someone in death. May you take comfort in God's promise found at Revelation 21:4, which says "he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” This verse brought me peace when I experienced loss, I hope it can do the same for you. May the memories you have give you strength during this difficult time.
- Mckenzie, Savannah, GA
I had the pleasure of meeting Major Baker at Summer Breeze assisted living. He was a great American and a true gentleman of the highest order. Rest in peace dear friend. My condolences to the family.
- Michael Campbell, Savannah, GA
My deepest condolences to the Baker family. Henry was a dear friend and one of the finest men I've had the pleasure to meet. He and Marguerite are reunited again, as he always talked about. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Tim and Frances.
- Tim O'Hayer, Savannah, GA
Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your loved one. Death is not an easy thing to accept, it is a painful time in any family to experience. Please take comfort in the assurance of the Bible at Revelation 21:4 that soon death and sorrow and pain will be done away with. Also at John 5:28&29 Jehovah God promises a resurrection of our dead loved ones in a paradise earth. There is hope of seeing loved ones again.
- Walker family, ,
My sincerest condolences go out to your family, it's never easy losing someone in death. May you take comfort in God's promise found at Revelation 21:4, which says "he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” This verse brought me peace when I experienced loss, I hope it can do the same for you. May the memories you have give you strength during this difficult time.
- Mckenzie, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
