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1939 - 2006
Arthur Eugene “Gene” Baker (1939-2006)
Arthur Eugene “Gene” Baker, 66, of Ashland, died Saturday morning, May 6, 2006, in King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland.
Gene was a son of the late William Lee and Mary M. Suttles Baker. He was a past president and coach of Boyd County Little League, a former Ironville Elementary School basketball coach and a past president and treasurer of Steelworkers Union Local 7054.
Born Dec. 1, 1939, in Grayson, Ky., he grew up and lived his boyhood days in the Lando Mining Camp Community of Delbarton, W.Va. As a 1958 graduate of Burch High School, he was a member of the 1957 AA State Championship-winning basketball team, where he learned extra effort, mental toughness and teamwork were the elements of success. He carried these attributes throughout life and taught them to those around him. After attending Marshall University, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he advanced his technical skills as an aircraft mechanic.
In 1962, he married Carol Sue Blevins and enjoyed an enduring marriage spanning 44 years. Together they had four children and eight grandchildren. Gene retired from Kentucky Electric Steel Inc. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating, playing the harmonica and bluegrass music and was the family’s jack-of-all-trades. He loved his family and believed family was everything.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Gordon Baker and William David Baker.
Gene is survived by his wife, Carol Blevins Baker of Ashland; three sons, James William “Bill” Baker and wife Nadine of Ashland, Wesley Baker and wife Melissa of Goshen, Ky., and Jeffrey Baker and wife Angela of Hershey, Pa.; a daughter, Theresa Porter and husband Steven of Ashland; two brothers, Charles Baker of Grayson and Carson Baker of Olive Hill; three sisters, Diane Elliott of Grayson, Rhoda Roark of Somerset and Pam Hensley of Madison, Ohio; and eight grandchildren, Andrew and Myriah Porter, Sarah and Heath Baker, Mikayla and Brennan, Arden and Nicole Baker.
A private memorial service will be Tuesday at Steen Funeral Home-Marshall Steen Chapel in Ashland with the Rev. Paul Cox officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Brad Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Commercial Bank, Main Street, Grayson, KY 41143.
Online condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhomes.com.
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There are currently 17 condolences.
Matt, Teresa, Shellie. Adam and Ryan
Wednesday May 10, 2006 at
12:30 PM
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We send are deepest sympathy to the family. Its hard to find the words to express the sorrow we feel for the passing of such a fine person. I have always had the greatest respect for Mr & Mrs Baker... Though the years many have moved in and out of the neighbood but three thing have stayed the same. The Bakers, Bleveins and the Williams. I have to laugh when I think of Mom talking about the trees that Mr Baker planted and cared for them. Please know that your loss is felt by many and Mr Baker will live on within all of us.
If you need anything please call anytime
Teresa Williams Cornette
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Gary, Helen, Wesley and Amber Fannin
Tuesday May 9, 2006 at
7:28 PM
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Nadine and family, God's grace is sufficient for our every need. You have our deepest sympathy.
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Darlene Jenkins Dalton
Tuesday May 9, 2006 at
6:10 PM
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Dear Carol,
I am so sorry about Gene...Earlene was so fond of him...he helped her out with Donald Gene...he was a true friend of hers...I did not realize that you lived so close to me...I have been teaching in Martin county since '75...wish I had known...Again, please take care and e-mail when you want to...You two are great people..as was all of your family...Love and prayers...Darlend Jenkins Dalton
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Thoughts & Prayers
Tuesday May 9, 2006 at
11:04 AM
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Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The Esparra Family
Ed, Anne, Melanie and John
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Barbara Murphy Wilson
Tuesday May 9, 2006 at
10:17 AM
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Dear Carol and Family... I recall the Baker Boys..their happy moods and their love of sports... I especially recall Gene's love for his "Carol Sue'. I am so very sad for his loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Barb Murphy
BHS class of 1959
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Monday May 8, 2006 at
10:51 PM
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Paul Spencer
Monday May 8, 2006 at
9:07 PM
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Our deepest sympathy to Bill and the rest of the family, if Gene was anything like Bill, he must have been a fine fellow.
From Paul and the gang at Gavin.
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Enoch O'Brien,Donna Kay Crum O'Brien
Monday May 8, 2006 at
8:14 PM
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We got to visit with Gene at Ronnie Leonard's funeral last year.It was really good to see Gene we three graduated together in 58.We had a long visit. Please accept our conolences. Enoch& Donna kay
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Jerry Neal
Monday May 8, 2006 at
7:34 PM
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So sorry to hear of Genes passing. God Bless one of the nicest men from one of the nicest families in Mingo County......
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Charles Wilson
Monday May 8, 2006 at
7:06 PM
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I am extending sincere sympathy to the Baker Family. Gene and I grew up together at Lando Mines and his fmaily lived with and helped my Dad George Wilson.
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Matt, Teresa, Shellie, Adam & Ryan Cornette
Monday May 8, 2006 at
6:11 PM
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We send your family our deepest condolence. Words cannot espress the sorrow we feel at this time. I have always had a great deal of respect for your parents. Not only have you lost a wonderful dad we all have lost a fine person to know... I still laugh when I think of Mom telling us about the care Gene had been taking of her yard. Planting and water the trees the white buckets....What a kind man... and the food he prepared when Granny passed away last year... Mr Baker may be gone form our sight but Please know he will live on with us and never be forgotten. The neighborhood will never be the same. If you need anything or just want to talk call me at 329-0349 or cell # 232-1514
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Charlotte Bentley Hall
Monday May 8, 2006 at
6:04 PM
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My sincere sympathy to all the Baker family..We all grew up next door to each other...I have special memories of the Baker family..May god be with all of u during this sad time of your life.
My prayers are with you,
In sympathy,
Charlotte Bentley Hall
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Lindsey (Meade) James and Brookie James
Monday May 8, 2006 at
2:55 PM
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Carol Sue and Family,
We offer our deepest sympathy on the loss of Gene. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We went to school at Burch with both of you.
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Lindsey (Meade) James and Brookie James
Monday May 8, 2006 at
2:52 PM
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Bill Wright
Monday May 8, 2006 at
2:40 PM
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My sympathy to Carol Sue the other members of the Gene Baker family. I spent my boyhood days at Lando and have many wonderful memories of Gene and other members of his family.
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Peggy Bentley Collins
Monday May 8, 2006 at
2:25 PM
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Dear Carol Sue & Family, I'm sending you & all the family my deepest condolence. Gene, you and I graduated the same high school in Delbarton, W.Va., year of 1958.May God give you all His Peace at this time & forever more.You all are in my prayers.Love, hugs,prayers, Peggy Bentley Collins 5-8-06
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BRANDT HOWELL
Monday May 8, 2006 at
12:08 PM
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TO ALL THE GENE BAKER FAMILY: YOUR HUSBAND SURE WAS ONE OF THE FINEST MEN I HAVE EVER MET. FROM MY WIFE SHARON, THE BOYS JOSH AND JEREMY SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL THE FAMILY. YOU ALL HAVE SURE LOST A FINE MAN!!! SINCERELY, BRANDT HOWELL
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