Marion Eugene "Gene" Baker, 79, of Brazil, passed away March 23, 2006 at 1:52 p.m. at Union Hospital in Terre Haute. He was born in Martin County, Indiana March 15, 1927 to Oda and Lena (Inman) Baker. Gene graduated from Oolitic High School the class of 1945. He served his country for over 40 years serving in the Army, Air Force, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard. Gene retired from service as a Lt. Col. in the United States Air Force in 1983 with several decorations, medals, commendations and campaign ribbons and awards. April 28, 1989 he married Edna (True) Baker, she survives. He was a member of the Brazil Masonic Lodge #264, Scottish Rite of Terre Haute, Order of Eastern Star #80, as well as Bethel United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father Oda Baker and mother Lena Baker, first wife June (Weyer) Baker, sisters Lou Alice and Shirley Hill, daughter Janet M. Moore and stepson Mike True and two great-- grandchildren Aleka Mathews and Chloe Mathews.

Survivors include his wife Edna (True) Baker, children Richard E. Baker and wife Ellen of Brazil, son-in-law Robert Moore, also of Brazil, William L. Baker and wife Lisa of Terre Haute. Step-daughters Carole Hedge and husband Ron of Brazil, Peggy Campbell and husband Bob of Cannelton, In. Step-Sons Thomas True and wife Janice of Terre Haute, In., Russell True and wife Leanne of Centerpoint; step-daughters Barbara Ford and husband Ralph of Crawfordsville, In., Phyllis Murphy and husband Ron of St. Anne, Ill, and Leal True of Washington St. Grandchildren Michelle Mathews and husband Dana, Shaun Baker, Lori Taylor and husband David, Jay Moore and wife Shannon, Jon Moore and wife Kelli, Jason Moore, Tom Baker, Mark Baker, Sarah Baker, Andy Roman, Katey Roman; great-grandchildren Ashley Oehler, Audrey Mathews, Andrew Taylor, and Lilyana Moore; sisters M. Imojene Fish of Bedford In., Marjorie Hodges of Franklin, In., Linda Hudson of Plainfield; and Bonnie Dalton of Brazil and a large extended family.

Services will be at Lawson -- Miller Chapel Monday at 1:00 p.m. March 27, 2006 with Ernie Rush officiating. Burial will follow at Clearview Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home Sunday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, the Food Pantry, or the Salvation Army. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visit www.lawson-millerchapel.com to light a candle in his memory.