Lawrence "Larry" Edgar (Jr.) Baker

Lawrence E. Baker Jr

Larry

Lawrence Edgar Baker Jr, passed away on October 24, 2023 surrounded by family. Larry, as he was known to many, was born October 16, 1946 to Lawrence and Florence (Sa) Baker in San Diego, California. He grew up in Maple Valley, Washington and attended Tahoma High School where he graduated in 1965 before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. The day after graduation he was shipped off to Camp Pendleton, California.

Larry’s first assignment after bootcamp was to the Third Marine Division in Vietnam where he served from 1965-1967 and 1967-1968. While serving, Larry returned home to visit his family and had a whirlwind romance with his future wife Maureen. The two met on Pearl Harbor Day and became engaged on New Year’s Eve, only 3 weeks later prior to him returning to Vietnam for another six months. He always joked that it is truly the day that will live in infamy. Larry and Maureen (Gannon) were married fifteen months later on March 16, 1968, and they made their first home at El Toro Marine Base. Together, they travelled the world and built a beautiful life.

At El Toro Larry and Maureen welcomed their first child Valerie. His next duty station was Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay where they welcomed their next daughter Shannon. Following Hawaii Larry went to Camp Foster, Okinawa and left his young family in Newark, California.

The families next duty station was Treasure Island, California where their third child Laureen Kelly rounded off the family. During this assignment Larry was selected and attended State Department School. As a GySgt he was assigned to the Oslo American Embassy supporting the Marine Corp Embassy Security Battalion ensuring the safety of diplomatic missions to conduct diplomacy abroad in a safe environment. While in Norway Larry was selected as a Warrant Officer and put on his bars.

Larry’s first duty station as an officer was Camp Butler, Japan as a Transportation Officer. Following Camp Butler, he PCS’d his family to his last duty station Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California where he was the Traffic Management Officer. He retired as a Limited Duty Officer Captain after a 21-year prestigious career. He relocated to Hesperia, California where all three of his daughters graduated from High School and started their higher education pursuits. He continued working the next 21 years in the private sector in the Transportation Industry as a Logistics Professional in Mira Loma, California and Vancouver, Washington at Consolidated Freightways and US Foods.

After their three daughters were grown, he and Maureen relocated to Florida in 2008 to retire closer to family. He enjoyed becoming his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s self-proclaimed Taxi driver and biggest fan. The family that didn’t already live in Florida relocated to Florida soon after to be close by. He attended every sporting event he could and taught his grandchildren a strong work ethic, the importance of always finishing what they start and being present for family no matter what.

Larry was preceded in death by his grandson, Chase and his parents and siblings George, Eugene and Carolyn. He's survived by his wife Maureen, siblings Linda, Barbara, Kathy and Eddie Ray, daughters Valerie (Roy) Clark, Shannon (Gene) Sullins and Laureen Kelly (Darry) Childs, as well as nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. His family has organized a memorial service to honor Larry's life and military service, which will be held at the Crestview Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and Live Oak Cemetery on November 3rd at 1:00. A visitation and rosary will be held directly before the service beginning at noon. Semper Fi!

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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