Leslie A Baker

Leslie Andrew William Baker 1926-2020 Leslie (Les) Andrew William Baker, 94, a faithful servant to his Lord who lived by grace through faith in Christ, passed through death peacefully to the church Triumphant Sunday morning October 11, 2020, at his residence in St. Cloud, Florida, surrounded by his loving wife, Jackie, children and Pastor. Les married the love of his life, Jacqueline (Jackie) Rose Huebner, on September 14, 1946. He and Jackie recently celebrated their 74th anniversary and could be seen holding hands wherever they went. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, sons Steve (Marge); Mark (Marjorie); Mike (Gwen); daughter Linda Lucas; brother Bruce (Sue); loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents Cecil and Josephine Baker; sisters Marion and Lucille; granddaughters Sharon and Misty. Les was born to parents, Cecil and Josephine Baker, on October 1, 1926, in St. Paul Minnesota. He attended Mechanic Arts High school and enlisted in the United States Navy at age 17. He returned home and was employed by Brown and Biglow Company while achieving his Veterans High School Equivalency Certificate and afterwards attended St. Paul Technical College where he learned bookkeeping and the tool and die trade. Les had a strong drive for continuous improvement and strong work ethics which helped him advance to Manager of Specialty Engineering’s Redwood Falls, MN, plant. He had a desire to escape Minnesota winters which occurred when he accepted a Manager position at a prominent sheet metal fabrication plant in Kissimmee, Florida Les loved sports especially bowling, softball, golf and was an avid Vikings fan. With his extensive umpire and referee background, he became a vocal sideline referee and, most of the time, had the correct call and outcome. Watching any game with him was like being in the broadcasting booth live. After retiring, he worked part time at the golf club where he played. When he wasn’t on the course you could find him in the Lord’s house where he was known for diligent attention to bookkeeping, teaching confirmation, leading adult bible studies and holding many offices in the church; elder, treasurer and president where a lively conversation could always be expected. He continued to strengthen his faith through word and sacrament. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Grace Lutheran Church, 1123 Louisiana Ave, St Cloud, FL. The family suggests a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (https://www.cff.org/give-today/) in lieu of flowers. Because of COVID-19 and CDC guidelines, you may attend Les’s memorial service virtually by going to live service at (https://www.gscfla.org/grace-online.html). If you wish to attend in person call Grace Lutheran Church at 407-892-9814 to RSVP. Due to COVID space is limited.

Leslie A Baker

October 1, 1926 - October 11, 2020