Andrew Douglas "Andy" Baker

On September 11, 1955, Andrew Douglas Baker was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Son of the late Everett Baker and Martha Isabel (Savage) Baker, Andy, as he was known by his family and friends, grew up in Hazardville, Connecticut where he attended Enrico Fermi High School. In 1976, Andy entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge in 1984. He had attained the rank of SP5 and earned the Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver Badge w/Comp Bar “W”, Army Service Ribbon, and Special Qualification Badge M16 Rifle. At the time of his discharge, Andy was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and decided to remain in the area. On January 13, 1998, in Salem, Missouri, Andy was united in marriage to Pamela Jean Rushing. They shared over 26 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. At the time of their marriage, two families were joined to include seven children: Steven, Dottie, Trish, Jeffery, Jason, Amy, and Kevin. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Andy worked as a civil service employee on Fort Leonard Wood for 11 years. Andy’s nature was to serve and protect. That was evident in his time in the military, and it continued throughout his life. He served 35 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Waynesville Rural Fire Protection District and retired as a Deputy Chief. Andy enjoyed training firefighters. In his spare time, Andy enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was hunting, camping, rc cars or flying drones. He was an avid gun collector and was a member of the National Riffle Association. Most importantly, Andy loved his family and treasured the times that they could spend together, especially with the grandchildren. Andy passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in the Salem Memorial District Hospital of Salem, Missouri having attained the age of 69 years. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Andy leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Pamela Baker of the home; seven children: Steven Baker of the State of Michigan, Dottie Steelman (Joel) of Salem, MO, Trish Arrington (Michael) of Arnold, MO, Jeffery Burgdorf (Jennifer) of Rolla, MO, Jason Baum (Bobby) of Broken Bow, NE, Amy Baum of Richland, MO, and Kevin Baum (Christina) of Richland, MO; fifteen grandchildren: Lucinda, Jamela, Easton, Bryson, Alton, Paisley, Natalee, Lane, Lori, Jonathan, Brooklyn, Vincent, Wyatt, Ryan, and Jacquelyn; sister: Penney Baker (Allen Trudeau) of the State of Connecticut; brother: David Baker of the State of New York; several other relatives and friends. Even though he is gone from our sight, Andy’s commitment to his country, community, and his family will live on in our hearts forever. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Danny Graves officiating. Easton May, Mike Campbell, and Jeffery Burgdorf all recalled their wonderful memories of Andy. The songs "Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw, "Go Rest High on that Mountain" by Vince Gill, "The Dash" by Scotty McCreery, and "Beat You There" by Will Dempsey were played. Serving as escorts were Jeffery Burgdorf, Tom Brill, Doug Yurecko, Danny Kallman, Mike Campbell and Steve Arrington. Serving as honorary escorts were the Waynesville Rural Fire Protection District and the Dent County Fire Protection District. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri with military honors being provided by the Missouri Honors Team. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Andy Baker and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Andrew Douglas "Andy" Baker

September 11, 1955 - February 12, 2025