Gilford J Baker

Gilford Junior “Babe” or “Gil” Baker, 96, a lifelong resident of Kimball Township, died on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

He was born on June 12, 1929 in Smiths Creek to the late Edward and Elsie Baker. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Yager, on March 6, 1948. She preceded him in death on June 4, 2013 after 65 years of marriage.

Gilford enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 and was a proud Korean War veteran. A mechanic who attained the rank of A 1/C, Gil earned and was awarded 5 medals, serving in Pusan, Korea and Miho, Japan with the 5th Air Force 1th Bomb wing (L), home of the Black Knights. When not overseas, he was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gil was honorably discharged after 4 years of active duty and 4 years in the Reserves.

Because of his wartime service, Gil was nominated by his loving daughter-in-law, Mary, and awarded a “Quilt of Valor” by the Quilts of Valor Foundation in June 2022. These “Quilts of Valor,” are beautiful quality, handmade quilts, awarded to service members or veterans who have been touched by war. The quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”

He was a lifetime member of May O’Brien Post 8465 and a Life Member of D.A.V. Chapter 12. Gil was also a lifelong member of Operating Engineer Local 324. When he wasn’t tinkering in his garage or maintaining his beautiful yard, his hobbies included two-way radios, short wave radios and scanners.

Gil loved to travel, especially to Northern Michigan with his family. Whether it was helping Owen with projects at the cabin or just making the trip to the “Northwoods” to check things out, it brought him great joy. Another adventure that was really special was the trip he and his friend, Christine took to Henderson/Las Vegas in 2017 when Gil was 88. They launched a boat at Willow Beach, Arizona with plans to go all the way to Needles, California. However, since they only had the boat for 4-6 hours, after a nice cruise down the Colorado River and picnic lunch at Cottonwood Cove, they decided they better head back and return the boat. No one could tell a story quite like Gil!

Gil will be greatly missed by his children, Owen (Mary) Baker and Connie Galeski; his grandchildren, April, Joy (Derrick) and Rodney; great grandchildren, Malek, Declan, Keionna, Kaley and Kaleb; and great great granddaughter, Wrenlee. Gil had a very special relationship with his grandson, Brandon Baker (Jennifer Rader), and great grandsons, August “Auggie” Baker and Ryland Baker, who brought great joy, happiness and laughter to his life. Being from a large family, Gil is also survived by many nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Christine Smith.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Miles; brothers, Geoffrey, Gaylord, Gordon, Gerald, Graham and Garrett “Tex” Baker; and sister, Gernith Simpson.

Visitation will be from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Friday in Marysville Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in the Marysville Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Michael Opfermann will officiate.

Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery, Port Huron Township. Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force and the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the Blue Water Area Humane Society.

Special thanks from Dad to Dr. Yehia Elsafy and Dr. Glenn Betrus. Some heroes don’t wear capes...they wear lab coats and stethoscopes! Thank you for being more than just a doctor. Your compassion, kindness, and concern have been truly appreciated.