Wesley H. Baker

08/11/2001

Retired Air Force Col. Wesley H. Baker, 84, of Kingsport, Tenn., a native of Pittsfield, died Saturday in Kingsport. Born July 15, 1917, son of Henry D. and Ella A. Baker, he attended local schools. Mr. Baker was drafted in January 1941. He served in the North African campaign with the Medical Service Corps and participated in the invasion of Italy at Naples. In September 1943, he received a direct commission in the Army and participated in the invasion of Anzio. He remained in the Italian campaign until the end of the war. In November 1948, he was recalled to active duty during the buildup of the Korean War, and in 1949, he transferred to the newly formed Air Force, in which he served until his retirement in 1977. During his career, he participated in three invasions and five major campaigns, and received numerous campaign medals, including the Legion of Merit. After his retirement, Mr. Baker resided in San Antonio for 24 years until moving recently to Kingsport. He leaves his wife, Thelma; a son, retired Air Force Col. David J. Baker, MSC, of Prospect, Ky.; a daughter, Susan B. Tarpley of Kingsport; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The funeral will be Thursday, Aug. 16, in San Antonio, Texas. PORTER LORING FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson's Disease Foundation, William Black Medical Building, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, 710 West 168th St., New York, NY 10032-9982.

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