Lloyd W. Baker

MAPLETON – Lloyd W. Baker, 77, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2010, with his devoted wife by his side. Lloyd was born September 15, 1932, in Wade; one of 17 children to William and Martha Baker. He attended school in Wade and Washburn.
    He worked at home cutting pulp and logs for his dad. He was called to the Army in February 1952. After two years of service, he returned home and worked around the area on odd jobs. He married his lovely wife, Arlene Farley, August 30, 1956. He then worked for area farmers, including Basil Fox for nine years, and Taterstate and McCains for 14 years, until they closed the Washburn plant. Lloyd and Arlene moved to Rhode Island, where Lloyd worked just over the Connecticut line in Groton for General Dymanics. Work was not very stable there, so they moved to Nashua, N.H., where he worked at Hunt Community Retirement Home as maintenance supervisor until he retired in 1997. They moved back to Maine after retiring to help care for Arlene's parents in Perham.
    Lloyd was a perfectionist in all that he did and was greatly respected for his knowledge, not only for repairing equipment, but for building or taking apart and rebuilding many things. He loved his family and was so proud of them.
    He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Arlene; three sons, Pastor Steven and Nadeen Baker of Springfield, Mass., Stanley and Alison Baker of Washburn and Jeffrey and Kelly Baker of Auburn, N.H.; two lovely foster daughters, Megan Candace and Kate Pellitier; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren whom he enjoyed very much; nine siblings, Barb Drost, Gloria Drost, Nora Holmes, Pat, Linda, Fred, Neil, Jack and Raymond; many nieces and nephews; and his very special cat, Sam. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Martha Baker; five brothers, Erwin, William, Harry, Ovide and Donald; a baby sister, Daphne; several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many friends, especially from his church, Mapleton United Baptist Church, and Living Easy Estates, where he lived with his wife.
    Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 6, at Mapleton Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Phelps officiating. Friends may call 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A time of refreshment will be held in the church fellowship hall after the service. A committal service with military honors will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children Hospital in Boston, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114 or Shriners Children Hospital in Springfield, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. Donations must be made location specific. Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle. Condolences may be expressed at, www.duncan-graves.com.