Carl Baker

Carl David Baker passed away in Springfield, Oregon on September 30, 2024. He was 84 years old. Carl was born October 30, 1939, in Republic, Michigan to David and Lillian (Walti) Baker. Carl learned how to work hard at a young age, helping his dad log timber in the woods of Michigan from the age of 11. The family worked hard but there was also a lot of laughs and love. Carl served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany as a heavy truck driver until his honorable discharge in 1964. Soon after, he married the love of his life Sandy (Ruggles), and they moved to Oregon to the McMinnville/Carlton area. In October of 1968, he and Sandy adopted their daughter Carla. Carl was a hard worker all his life, working for several years as a long-haul truck driver and then Flintstone Crushing and Construction in Springfield, where the family would eventually settle for good. Much of Carl’s work with Flintstone was creating access roads in the Willamette Forest where he would often need to stay on-site in his fifth wheel trailer. Sandy and Carla would join him in the summers to enjoy the outdoors together camping, fishing, and exploring. Some years after Sandy’s passing in 1997, Carl reconnected with a past acquaintance, Donna McAbee. They became close and lived happily together in Junction City until Donna’s passing in 2020. Carl could put on a tough-guy act, but he was a fair man with a kind and generous heart, was funny and charismatic, and would do anything for family and friends. He will be greatly missed. Carl is survived by his daughter Carla and several grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Carl was preceded in death by his parents David and Lillian and his sister Betty (McPeak). 

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to your charity of choice.