Neil A. Baker, 59, of Onawa, Iowa, died Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at a Sioux City hospital.
The son of Elwood and Reeta (McMillan) Baker, he was born at home in Raeford. He was raised and educated in North Carolina. He graduated from Hoke High School.
On June 20, 1975, he was united in marriage to Elsie Murdock in Dillon, South Carolina. In that same year, they moved to Iowa where they made their home until moving back to North Carolina in 1982. In 1991, they returned to Iowa and have lived in Onawa since 2005. He worked in maintenance at Waldbaum's then at John Morrell and he currently worked as a driver for Gerhold Concrete.
He enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, going to auctions and looking for old items, target shooting, building model rockets, listening to music and caring for their dogs. Most of all Neal enjoyed being with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Elsie of Onawa, Iowa; one son, John Baker and wife Kecia of Onawa and their children Che and Chris; two stepdaughters, Melissa Williard and husband Mike of Wake Forest, and their children Benjamin and Jared and Vicki Gill and husband Kenny of Fort Bragg, and their children Brianna and Haley; his mother, Reeta Baker of Raeford; one sister, Faye Baker of Fayetteville; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Elwood Baker; one brother, Doug Baker; and one sister, Caroline Baker.
A memorial service was held Saturday, March 16 at First Christian Church in Onawa with Minister John Sears officiating. No visitation is planned. Online condolences may be expressed atwww.rootfuneralhomes.com.