Grandpa Baker

William Elmer Baker 1930-2010

William Elmer Baker, 79, of Mesa, Arizona passed away on April 21, 2010. Bill was born December 9, 1930 in El Paso, Texas to Alfred Henry Baker and Elna Farnsworth. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1950. Bill married Elaine Rowley on October 12, 1950 with whom he enjoyed 59 wonderful years of marriage, and together they raised 6 children.

Bill was a lifelong, active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who delighted in visits from the grandchildren. He was a farmer at heart, raising cows and horses and growing alfalfa on his “mini-farm” in the heart of Mesa. Bill worked hard as a heavy equipment mechanic to honorably support his family. He founded Baker Machinery in 1983 which has since grown into a successful business.

Bill is survived by his wife, Elaine; sons Randy (Patsy), Curt (Coleen), Tom (Ginny), Aaron (Ruth); his daughters Melinda Turner (Monte), and Nancy Adams (Kumen); 25 grandchildren and 32 great -grandchildren. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening, April 27th, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at the Poinsettia Ward building, 977 E. Broadway, Mesa, AZ, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation 1 hr. prior.

*Wednesday night Billy and I and the kids were visiting grandma and grandpa Baker, grandpa hadn't been doing to well so we tried to get over and visit him everyday, which was easy because they live next door. Billy left around 6:30 to go to a class with his dad and brother and the girls and I stayed at the grandparents. We visited and later on grandpa asked me to come lay Reed with him, grandma grabbed her camera and took a picture and then I tried putting Nixyn up in bed with him but she wasn't too happy, she wasn't used to seeing her grandpa like that. Avree got up next and laid down with him, grandma got a picture and right after she took it I noticed grandpa struggling for air. I took Avree off and within minutes we lost him. It was the hardest thing I've had to watch, I felt helpless and sad. I held his hand as he took his last breath. I'm glad Billy's aunt and I were there for grandma. Grandpa was a great man, I never knew him while he could walk but even without the use of his legs he was a hard worker. We have so many great memories of him that I can't wait to share with the kids when they are older. Avree asked to go over there everyday, she still does and it's hard to hear her ask where grandpa is, we tell her grandpa is in heaven now, that heavenly father was ready for him to come home. She likes to say he is with baby Jesus. Billy and I went over to grandma's last night, Billy's dad and aunts and uncles were there planning the funeral services and then we started reminiscing about grandpa, it was fun to hear stories about him, ones I've heard before that will never get old and some new ones. We love you grandpa! See you later.