Dr. James L. Baker, 88, of Warsaw, died at 11:35 a.m. Jan. 16, 2010, in Mason Health & Rehab, Warsaw.
He was born March 22, 1921, in Ligonier, to Roland J. and Ruth Ann Taylor Baker.
On Jan. 21, 1945, he entered the U.S. Army. He attended an eight-week course at the Medical Field Service School on the Carlisle (Pa.) Barracks. The course included Army medical sanitation, health, Army hospital organization and administration and Army field medical practice. Following the course he served as a dental officer with Army Ground and Service Forces Redistribution Station, Miami Beach, Fla., and in station hospitals, Camp (Fort) Campbell, Ky.; Guam; and Iwo Jima. He was responsible for the dental health of troops and performed general operative dentistry. 1LT James L. Baker was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Jan. 10, 1947, in Camp Beale, Calif.
He lived most of his life in Warsaw, where he was a dentist since 1947.
He was a member of Warsaw Masonic Lodge F&AM 74; Fort Wayne Scottish Rite; Mizpah Shrine Temple; Indiana State Dental Society; National Dental Society; and American Dental Society; a lifetime member of the YMCA and a member of the American Legion Post 49 for more than 60 years.
Surviving are his godson, James Evans, Winona Lake; his goddaughter, Tammy Lynn (and spouse John) Leek, Warsaw; and several cousins.
A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. today at Oak Park Cemetery, Ligonier, with Father Larry Baker officiating.
Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.
*****
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
