Earl Isaac Baker, 79, of North Platte, passed away Oct. 27, 2012, at the Golden Living Care Center in Cozad.
Earl was born on Oct. 13, 1933 in Syracuse, Kan. to Earl A. Baker and Edna (Hilty) Baker.
Earl graduated from North Platte High in 1952. In 1953 he hired out on the Union Pacific Railroad and enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard. He served in the 134 regiment/34th Infantry Division until May 30, 1955.
On June 1, 1955, he enlisted into the United States Army, serving until Jan. 1956. Stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., with the Sixth Armored Division and 18th Combat Engineer Division, 24th Infantry Division Hg-Hg Co between Seoul, Korea, and the DMZ line near Moon-San-E Rail Head in the northern part of South Korea, Eighth Army.
He then returned to North Platte and his position with UPRR while on active duty in the National Guard on June 1, 1957, serving until Jan. 30, 1958.
In returning to North Platte he met and married Jeanette L. Jensen. They were married on Feb. 8, 1958, at Julesburg, Colo. From the blessed union three sons were born, Michael, Mark and Jeffrey.
Earl was baptized in the Church of Christ in Julesburg, Colo., in 1964.
While working for the UPRR he worked numerous jobs and made many friends. Among his duties he was a clerk, yard office train dispatcher and worked at the freight house until its closing. During this time, the family moved for short periods of time to Julesburg and Scottsbluff, returning to North Platte. In 1995 he retired from the UPRR with 43 years of service.
Earl was a lifetime member of the Elks No. 985, Federation Order of the Eagles Lodge 2839, TCU Transportation Communication Lodge 112, Clerks Union 50 year member, AARP, Union Pacific Employees Club and lifetime member of American Legion Post No. 163, and past president of the Julesburg Jaycees and a member of the First Christian Church, where he served as an Elder Diaconate, Men’s Inter-Church Reserve Member.
Earl loved his sports. He loved his football. Any football, but especially the Huskers – he was a big Husker fan. He was an avid camper, taking the family on many camping trips and was a member for over 30 years to the Lincoln County Wildlife Club.
Earl loved his family, his beloved wife, Jeanette “”Jan,”” of 54 years, his love of his life and best friend. He was very close to his sons and their families. Earl was a very caring person. His family and extended family always came first. Sons, grandchildren, nephews, nieces – he was always there for them.
After retirement, Earl drove the handy bus for the City of North Platte and GPRMC shuttle van for several years. He was also Santa to many young children for many years at the North Platte Mall.
Earl loved to travel. He would pack the family up any chance he got for a weekend getaway. Earl and Jan went on numerous trips. After retiring from the railroad they would head south for the winter. Many trips were made traveling with dear friends.
They also spent a lot of time in Branson, Mo. For two winters Earl worked in Branson for country singer Roy Clark as an usher. He loved music and he was a great dancer and loved it. He loved the concerts and treasured the memories of hanging out backstage with Roy Clark. That was his favorite job.
Earl was loved and cherished by many and will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanette “”Jan,”” of North Platte; sons, Michael E. (Cinda) and Mark A., all of North Platte; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; and sister, Elizabeth Baker Potter, of Greeley, Colo.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents; youngest son, Jeffrey Scott; sisters, Ella Higgins, of Iowa, and Elsie Mannon, of Fort Collins, Colo.; and a great-grandson, Brandon Schulkey.
Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church and online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, at the First Christian Church, with the Rev. Tim Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.