Obituary of Charlie Robert Baker

Mr. Charlie Robert Baker, age 90, ascended to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Friday morning, October 7, 2011. He resided on Newton Avenue and Pine Avenue in Ozark before moving to Ozark Health and Rehabilitation in February of 2004. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 P. M. on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, in the Sanctuary of the Ozark Baptist Church, with the Reverend Doctor Steve King and Reverend Bill Hix officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with Military Honors, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. Members of the local VFW will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive family and friends at the church Wednesday from 12:00 Noon until service time. Mr. Baker was born January 28, 1921 in the Evergreen Community of Ariton, but lived his adult life in Ozark. He was a member of America's Greatest Generation, having served in the Army from October 20, 1942 to October 20, 1945. Mr. Baker was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 207th Armored Infantry Battalion and spent 27 months in the European Theater of Operations. He was involved in the following battles and campaigns: Naples Foggia, Rome Arno, Southern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He completed his tour of duty in Munich, Germany. Mr. Baker was a Life Member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars. He served in various roles for the local Chapter 4448 and the State of Alabama and was elected Alabama's State Commander in June of 1967 and served until June of 1968. In the 1950's and 1960's Mr. Baker owned grocery stores and an oyster bar in Ozark. He then worked for the United States Postal Service, first as a substitute rural career, and then as the first one to deliver mail to the quarters on Fort Rucker. He retired as an Ozark City Carrier in 1977. Mr. Baker was actively involved in the Carroll High School Band Parents Association for the combined nine years his children were members of the band. His love of "all things Auburn" stemmed from the pride he had for his children as members of the Auburn University Marching Band. Mr. Baker was a member of the Ozark Baptist Church for 52 years, where he often served as an usher for Sunday Services, as well as coordinating the Church's food pantry. Preceding Mr. Baker in death were his wife of 59 years, Nell Cherry Baker; a daughter, Linda Faye Baker; parents, William Thomas Baker and Mary Jane (Molly) Thompson Baker; and eight brothers and three nephews. Survivors include: a daughter and son-in-law, Diane and CW5 (U.S. Army Retired) Jerry Standridge of Virginia Beach, Virginia; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert (Bobby) and Connie Baker of Ozark: his grandchildren: Jason and Kasey Standridge of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Danielle Baker, Lauren and Michael Logan, and Brian Baker; and great granddaughter, Hollie Smith, all of Ozark. Twenty-three nieces and nephews also survive Mr. Baker. Service Information