Neal Wallace Baker, 87

Neal Wallace Baker, 87, passed away Jan. 24, 2017, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Neal was born May 1, 1929, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Wallace and Anna Mae Baker.

Neal enlisted in the Army in 1945 and served in Berlin. After four years in the Army he joined the Navy for six years.

It was during this time in the Navy that he met Helen Rhodes and after a 10-day courtship. They were married on Dec. 23, 1951.

He was discharged from the Navy in July 1955 and re-enlisted in the Army in August 1955, retiring in February 1967 after 21 and a half years of service.

Neal worked at C&C Auto Parts store and drove a semi-truck for Petrolane until retiring in January 1993.

After retirement Neal and Helen traveled, spending summers in Montana and winters in Yuma, Arizona.

They returned to Kalispell in 2012 and Neal had resided at the Veterans Home since 2014.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen; daughters, Robin (Dan) Hagadone, Dana (Jack) Coughhlin, and daughter-in-law Kelly Baker. He is also survived by grandchildren, Kelcee, Rachael, Connor, Riley and Lily, and great-granddaughter Brinley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and son Joel W. Baker.

As per Neal’s request there will be no services. The family wants to thank all the staff at the Montana Veterans Home for the care and compassion they showed Neal and his family.

Friends and family are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave a note of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.