Melvin Baker age 79 of Curryville passed away Sunday April 19, 2009 at the Country View Nursing Home in Bowling Green.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday April 22 at the Mudd-Veach Funeral Home in Bowling Green with Rev. Ray McLaren officiating.  Burial will be in the Curryville Cemetery with military rites conducted by VFW Post #5553 of Bowling Green.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 Tuesday at the Mudd-Veach Funeral Home in Bowling Green.

He was born April 9, 1930 in St. Louis to Chauncey Byron and Elizabeth Irene Perry Baker.  He married Marie B. Hubert on August 14, 1955 in Curryville.  She survives.

Also surviving are two sons Wayne Baker and special friend Janice Haley of Curryville, Richard Baker and wife Jamie of Frankford and one daughter Kim Luebrecht and husband David of Bowling Green; nine grandchildren Jeremy Baker, Brandon Baker, Tyler Baker, Jared Baker, Damon Luebrecht, Paige Baker, Logan Baker, Blake Luebrecht and Ethan Luebrecht; four great-grandchildren Layne Baker, Tucker Baker, Braxton Baker and Adisyn Baker; one brother Bob Baker of Bowling Green; four sisters Opal Stotler of Vandalia, Mary Baskett of Vandalia, Mae Carr of Bowling Green and Marie Marsh of Bowling Green.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother David Henry Baker; sisters Darelene Elizabeth Baker and Lola Moore; one grandson Dustin Kyle Baker and one great granddaughter Elli Renee Baker.

Melvin served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was a member of the VFW Post #5553.  He was baptized on March 23, 2009.  He started working at General Motors after returning from the service.  He  worked at Lefevers Chevrolet and Olds for 20 years as Parts and Service Manager.  He then worked at Jennings Chevrolet and Olds from 1985 until his retirement in 1986.  He loved mowing and working on lawnmowers, but his family was his greatest joy.  He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.  Melvin never met a stranger and was loved by all.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jeremy Baker, Brandon Baker, Tyler Baker, Jared Baker, Damon Luebrecht, Paige Baker, Logan Baker, Blake Luebrecht and Ethan Luebrecht.  Honorary pallbearers will be Layne Baker, Tucker Baker, Braxton Baker and Adisyn Baker.

Memorials may be made to the New Harmony Christian Church