James Baker

Salina, KS James Caswell Baker James Caswell Baker, 87, of Salina, passed away on Sunday May 6 2012 at Dignity Care Home of Salina. He was born in Kinsley, Ks on October 24, 1924, a son of the late Lydia Mae (Gutherie) and Robert Beacher Baker. He married Joyce Elaine McCune on January 16, 1945 in Helena, Oklahoma and widowed on August 15, 1999. He attended college at Northwestern State University in Alva, Oklahoma where he recieved his Masters Degree. He was a teacher for 19 years and a counselor for 12 years at Chapparral High School. He also farmed in the community of Helena, Oklahoma. James is survived by daughter Rita Duffy and husband Floyd of Eagle, Colorado, daughter Linda Smith and husband Mark of Salina,, and Gail McClure and husband Dan of Rocky Ford, Colorado. He is also survived by his brother Doyle Baker of California, and sister Velda Baker of Enid, Oklahoma., six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brother Robert Baker and two sisters Wanda Baker and Edna Mae Baker. James served in the Marines from 1944 to 1946. He was an active member in the Lions Club and the United Methodist Church of Anthony. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Spring Grove Cemetery in Anthony, Kansas. with Terry McGuire officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Salina, 730 Holly Lane, Salina, Kansas 67401.