Norman Jay Baker
September 09, 2014
Norman Jay Baker, 67, passed away as result of a car accident on September 9, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, September 19, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.
Norm was born December 9, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Gloria Baker and Bobby (Linda) Baker. He graduated from Saydel High School in 1965 and married Dorothy (Dottie) Hill on March 25, 1972. Norm was in the jewelry retail business for over 40 years, which began at Ardan’s in Des Moines. The family relocated to Decatur, Illinois in 1985, where Norm worked for K’s Merchandise for over 20 years. The consummate salesman with a strong work ethic, he had many long-time loyal customers and earned numerous top salesman honors. Norm never met a stranger.
Norm and Dottie moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 2007, where he worked for Jared’s until his retirement in 2011. He enjoyed good old country music, a challenging crossword puzzle, and any gathering with friends and family. He and Dottie especially loved tooling around in their convertible. Norm was the life of the party, a true friend, and one funny man. He kept everyone around him laughing with his jokes and antics.
Norm’s heart was compassionate and he felt deeply. His greatest joy was his family, a boasting father and grandfather. His grandchildren loved their “Grandpa Doots”, even his constant teasing.
Norm is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Lee Baker; nephew and niece, David and Megan Sweeney; and father and mother-in-law, Clarence and Eloise Hill. He is survived by his wife of 42 years; his parents; daughter, Kristen Parks (Craig) of Houston, Texas; sons, Jason (Cortney), Tyler (Amy), and Erik (Tara Chiapelli) of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Kate, Colton and Emily Grace Parks, Landon, Gracie and Reagan Baker, Lila, Isabelle and Lincoln Baker; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mdausa.org/donate.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Debbie Wiseman
09/26/2014
Dottie and family, so sorry for your loss. Norm was a wonderful person and a loss for your family. May you find peace with God as you go through these days. Treasure the memories that you will carry forever.
James & Carla Kellogg, Theresa Smith
09/19/2014
Our deepest condolences for your loss. May God comfort you in these difficult days.
Wesley
09/18/2014
My deepest sympathy to the family. I was one of the responders to the accident. I prayed for your family as we work to manage the scene. I pray tomorrow God stills your thoughts and quickens your hearts during the ceremony as memories flood your minds.
Kenny and Vicki Baker
09/18/2014
Dottie and family,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Norm was such a great guy and we've missed seeing you guys. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! From your son and dil in Decatur, IL! :)
Alan and Beth Frigy
09/17/2014
We are sorry to read about Norm's death and know he will be missed by many. Our hockey days together were the best - many great memories. God bless your entire family.
Cinda Madden Yates
09/16/2014
I grew up with Norm....I always remember him smiling and good natured. I am glad to have had the opportunity to visit with him when he was in Des Moines last year. Such a great guy and so proud of his family. I know he will be so very missed:(. God bless Norm and his family.
Lynette Thiele
09/16/2014
To Dottie and all the family:
Words could not even begin to express my condolences to your entire family. Please know I'm thinking of you.
L'Net Thiele
Cam Curry
09/15/2014
Dottie and family . I would like to send my deepest sympathy on Norm's tragic passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Norm was one great guy with a great personality.. RIP Norm
Buford & Elaine Webb
09/15/2014
We were some of his loyal customers at K's Merchandise Store in Decatur. We really missed him and the store when it closed. We were sad to read in the Herald & Review of his untimely death. Our sympathy to the family.
Beverly (Janes) Efnor
09/15/2014
My Sympathy to Norman's Family, I was stunned to hear the news of Norman's death, we have been friends since Junior High School. The laughter and friendship will be in my memories. May God Be With Your Family in this time of sorrow.. Sorry I can't be there to celebrate his life, but I will be think of you and sending blessings your way....
Ruth Roberts, Gaye Roberts, Glenda & Jeff Dixon
09/14/2014
Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Fred Briley Jr.
09/14/2014
Iam sorry to hear about the loss of Norman along with my three brothers Dennis, George , and Mark be cause we were neighbors lived right next door to each other growing upp, which i remember him as (Butchie) cause that was his nickname and yes we were ornery boys but it comes as no surprise to hear what a wonderfull heart this man carried throu out his life . God Bless All
Judy Donnelly Kleven
09/14/2014
Dottie and family, I am so sorry for the passing of your dear,Norman. You are in my prayers. Sincerely,Judy
Jeff Anglin
09/14/2014
Very sorry to hear about Norm. He was a great person and I will always remember him. Please stay in touch Dottie. -Jeff
Diane Shortell McClung
09/13/2014
I am so sorry for your loss. I last saw and talked to Norm 2 years ago. He was the same great, loving guy I knew as a young man. He will be missed. You are all in my prayers.