May 23, 2014
Clarence L. Baker
August 9, 1936 - May 21, 2014
Press-Republican
CHAZY — Born in Chazy, N.Y. to Clarence and Daisy (Brunelle) Baker. Grew up on the family dairy farm and graduated from Chazy Central Rural School as part of the infamous class of 1954.
Entered the Air Force in Aug. of 1955 and was trained as a nuclear weapons technician. Served in the Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1975.
Assignments included Geneva, N.Y., for basic training, Denver, Colo. for technical training, Alconbury, England, Albuquerque, N.M., Bitburg and Sembach Germany. Two more tours in Denver, Colo., Udorn, Thailand and final assignment at Plattsburgh, N.Y.
He married Irene Oliver, Jan. 14, 1956. Survivors include his wife of 58 years; sons, James (Sue), David (Charlene) and Loren; daughters, Michelle (Scott) Gruetzmacher and Mary (Bill) Trudo; grandsons, Cory Baker and his fiancee Jess Aubrey, Kyle Baker and his wife Sarah, Benjamin Baker and his fiancee Katya Howells, Jason Baker and Stephen Trudo; granddaughters, Niccole Trudo and Sarah Trudo. Known as "Papa Goat" to great grandchildren, Parker Baker, Reagan McMullen, Kelsey Baker, Ryleigh and Caleb Baker, Brooke and Brianna Aubrey.
Clarence was a member of the American Legion in Chazy, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post# 1416, Disabled American Veterans, Sampson Vets, Nuclear Weapons Technicians Association and Chazy Senior Citizens. He previously was a member and past president of the Chazy Lions Club and a past member of the Elks. He also served two terms on the Sacred Heart Church Finance Committee.
After retiring from the Air Force, he attended and graduated from Clinton Community and Plattsburgh State Colleges with a degree in accounting. He then became an intern, a field auditor for N.Y. State Comptroller's Office Business Manager for Clint County, ARC and finally finance manager, Deputy Treasurer and budget officer for Clinton County, N.Y.
In retirement, Clarence enjoyed restoring antique farm tractors, his grandchildren, great grandchildren and Baker's Acres.