Sammie Ray Baker, age 91 of Alexandria, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at the V.A. Hospital in Marion after a brief illness.  He was born Sept. 26, 1932 in Wilderville, Tennessee, the son of Jonnie and Lillie (Knight) Baker.  Sam attended Anderson High School.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Radioman during the Korean War and as a Seabee during the Vietnam War.  He married Barbara L. Baker on June 20, 1987, and they spent nearly 27 years of marriage together.  Sam was a hard worker all of his life beginning his working career at Delco Remy for several years, and he went on to be a mechanic for the Madison County Highway Department until 1997.  Last, he retired from working security at Guide Corporation in 2007.  He also owned and operated his own garages where he would work on vehicles for many years.  Sam enjoyed riding motorcycles and was a former member of the GWRRA and GWTA.  He attended Shiloh Friends Church, and he was also a lifetime member of both the VFW and American Legion.  Sam especially enjoyed spending winters in Sebring, Florida.  He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

Sam's family includes his wife, Barbara L. Baker of Alexandria; son, Johnny R. (wife Diane) Baker of Bronson, MI; step-son, Brent E. (wife Janie) Parker of Alexandria; 5 grandchildren, Megan, Derek, Mackenzie, Randy and Amy; step-grandson, Dusty; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and close friends.  Sam was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joseph R. Baker; brother, Roy Baker; sister, Dorothy Wilson; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Baker; and mother and father in law, George William and Hortense (Bronnenberg) Baker.

A celebration of Sam's life will be held from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at the Monroe Township Event Center, 204 E. Berry Street, Alexandria, IN 46001.  The family will have a time of sharing starting at 2:00 pm.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project.  Sam's family would like to thank the Marion and Fort Wayne V.A. Hospital doctors, nurses, and staff for the exceptional care they gave to Sam. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.