|
Samuel M. Baker, Jr. 77, of Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully June 14, 2006 after a long battle with cancer. Sam, the fifth of 8 children, was born on September 29, 1928 in Ft. Worth, TX. Continuing in a proud family tradition he became a fifth generation master stonemason and bricklayer. Sam's 50-year career in construction included projects in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona. He and Marj retired to Possum Kingdom Lake in Texas and traveled extensively in their RV visiting family and friends around the country. They spent winters with their son Steve and his wife Kathy, eventually moving to Tucson in 1998. Although officially retired, Sam continued to enjoy pointing his "superintendent finger", directing three generations of his descendents in joint projects such as extensive BBQ complexes. Sam is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marjorie L. Baker (nee Lomax); son, S. Steven, DC (Kathy) of Tucson; daughter, Jacque (Mark) Matanis of Albuquerque, NM; son, Timothy (Mary) of Weatherford, TX; son, Duane of Tucson; brother, William (Elizabeth) of Weatherford; sister, Louise O'Leary Ft. Worth; sister, Betty (James) Heaslet Weatherford; sister, Doris Palmer Mineral Wells; as well as 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by father, Samuel; mother, Lela (nee Bumgardner); sisters, Vivian Whiteley and Juanita Cook; and brother, Jonnie Baker; a private Memorial was held Saturday, June 17, 2006. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Children's Cancer Fund of NM, 112 14th Street SW, ABQ, NM 87102
|
