Billy Baker

Billy Bryan Baker, father, friend and grandfather, passed away at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins on April 25, 2006, at the age of 80. Billy Baker was born in Bronte, Texas, and was the son of Clarence G. Baker and Anna Dell Wagner, who were ranchers in the Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma Panhandle region. Billy had two brothers, Clarence Leonard and Joe Bob, whom he adored. He started working at an early age, training with the Colorado and Southern Railroad as a telegraph operator. He worked for the railroad all his working life, except when he accepted the call of duty for the U.S. military in World War II. He was a sergeant in the Army during the Pacific Theater of World War II. He returned to the railroad after the war. Bill was married to Lauris Jean Pruett on Nov. 25, 1947, and had five children, Billy Bryan Jr., Diana Lee, Randy J., Hollye Ann and Cathy Jean. Bill is survived by his brothers, Clarence Leonard Baker, of Amarillo, Texas, and Joe Bob Baker, of Amarillo; sons, Billy Bryan Baker Jr., of Evans, and Randy J. Baker, of Fort Collins; daughters, Diana Lee Miller, of Clinton, Mo., Hollye Ann Gonzalas, of Fort Collins, and Cathy Jean Marine, of Fort Collins. Bill had seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Bill was a warm, compassionate man with a gentle, loving spirit and will be missed greatly by all. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Memory Gardens with military honors by the Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Heart Association in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, CO 80524.