Leslie "Les" Baker

Leslie “Les” Baker, age 91, of Melbourne, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown.

Per the wishes of Les and his family, private services will take place and he will be laid to rest at Melbourne Memorial Garden. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Les and his family. For online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Leslie Laverne Baker was born on January 2, 1932 in Kansas City, Kansas to parents Hubert and Ruth (Carlson) Baker. After graduating from Wyandotte High School in 1950, he served his country honorably for four years in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

While on leave at Virginia Beach in Williamsburg, Virginia, he was united in marriage on October 14, 1953 to his high school sweetheart, Martha Rose. The couple lived in several places before his job landed them near Boone, Iowa, where they raised their children on their small acreage. After his retirement, they settled in Melbourne, Iowa.

Les was a private, simple and reserved man. He was a brilliant mathematician and very tech-savvy with computers and all electronics. He enjoyed music, archery and restoring antique furniture. He loved nature and wildlife and had a soft spot for stray animals.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 69 years, Martha Baker; his children: David A. Baker of DuPont, WA, Janet S. (Bill) Wilson of Clutier, IA and Kenneth W. (Ellen) Baker of Marshalltown, IA; grandchildren: Laura (Joe) Dhyne, Laura Wilson, Lindsay (Josh) McFarlane, Daniel (Breanna) Baker, Douglas Baker (Courtney Schexnaydre) and Alisa Lynn Baker (Toby Thepsoumphone); and his great-grandchildren: Mason, Brandon, Jaden, Kael, Joseph, Emily, Kaleb, Nora and Clara.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Hubert and Ruth and his siblings: Eunice Ethel, Howard Baker and Ruth McCool.