Marvin D. Baker

Marvin Dale Baker passed away peacefully at the age of 95, on Friday, December 1, 2023. He was born July 25, 1928, to William Frederick and Ethel Hazel (Sommerville) Baker in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended East High School before entering the United States Navy in 1946, where he served as Fireman 1st Class for one year during World War II, aboard the U.S.S. L.S.T. 854 - Kemper County. Following his honorable discharge in 1947, he graduated from Des Moines Technical High School.

He served on the Des Moines Fire Department for 39 years, working through the ranks from Rookie, to Firefighter, to Driver Engineer and retiring in 1991 after a decade as a Dispatcher.

On October 8, 1948, he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Semple at Christ Evangelical United Brethren Church in Des Moines. To this union was born one daughter, Carol Ann, on September 29, 1956.

Marvin was a member of Union Park Presbyterian Church for over 50 years singing in the choir, serving as a Deacon and Elder, and as a Youth Group Leader. He was a 50-year member of Eastgate Lodge in Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald Wayne and William, Jr.; sisters, Lois, Mary, and Ethel; and his loving wife of 69 years, Mary.

He is survived by his daughter, Carol; grandsons, Marty, Shannon (Sheila), and Andrew; granddaughter, Cathy; great-grandchildren, Destini, Colton, Taylor, and Sky; great-great-granddaughter, Sutton; nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 8, 2023, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held on Saturday, December 9, at 10:30 a.m., at Union Park Presbyterian Church, 1307 Thompson, Des Moines, with burial at Resthaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the family or Union Park Presbyterian Church.

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