Fred Baker, age 102, of Aliceville passed away June 25, 2023 at the VA Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Friday, June 30, 2023 at Panola United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Gene Lankford officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will be one hour prior and immediately following the service at the church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Long Baker; his parents; brothers, Charlie Baker, Joe P. Baker, John E. Baker, Jr., James S. Baker, Isaac Douglas Baker, and Billie W. Baker; sisters, Martha Dial, Elizabeth Waibel, Frances Bassett, Katherine Dunn and grandchild, Keith Tuma.   Survivors include his stepdaughter, Donnalou Tuma and husband, Edwin; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Baker was born May 20, 1921 in Greendale, Virginia to the late John E. Baker, Sr. and Elizabeth Porter Baker. He moved with his parents and 9 siblings to Gainesville, AL in 1922. The family eventually settled in Sumterville, AL where he grew up.   Mr. Baker served during World War II in the 34th infantry Division from 1942 to 1945.  The 34th Division spent 517 days on the front lines in battles in North Africa and across Italy.  He had many close calls in combat during that time.  In 1944 he rode  into Rome on the back of a U.S. tank after the Allies had occupied the city.   After the war he returned to Alabama and went to work in the bee business, selling honey and raising queen bees to be sold around the country.  He married his wife, Ann Long, late in life and moved to Cochrane, AL where they were active in the Panola United Methodist Church.  He was an accomplished woodworker and handyman, and handcrafted beautiful writing pens from wood and deer antlers.  He was recognized during halftime of a Mississippi State/Alabama game for his military service in a "Salute to Veterans" day.  After the game he presented Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban with one of his pens.  As an avid Alabama fan, it was a cherished memory.  He was a quiet, soft-spoken man who always greeted you with a smile and was glad to see you.  Being the last of his siblings, he was adopted as a father figure by his many nieces, nephews and greats as the last link to that great generation.
Pallbearers will be Johnny H. Baker, James Davis Baker, Jackie E. Baker, Joe Porter Baker, Allan Tuma and Adam Tuma.   Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Bassett, Nell and Elton Gibson, Bobby McBride, Lewis McBride and members of Panola United Methodist Church.
The family would like to thank his brother-in-law Elton Gibson and the staff of the Tuscaloosa Veterans Administration who loved and cared for Mr. Baker in his last days.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Panola United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Connie Marine, 48030 Alabama Hwy 17, Aliceville, AL 35442.