Serendipity, faith or a higher plan? 365 days in a year and Lyle Wesley Baker “The Egg Man” passed away peacefully on April 20th, 2023. His only son Billy Bakers birthday. Billy chose to end his life by suicide in 2013. A part of daddy died on that day. Our family can take comfort in a picture of the two of them together again, laughing, smoking, tipping back a cold one and riding that big tractor in the best green pasture the other side of this world has to offer. Hopefully talking about pigeons, and gambling for the big one (2.5 Million) in some casino in the sky.
He married his beloved Shawna Askern in 1968, while on leave from Vietnam in Honolulu, Hawaii. Lyle’s military career came to an end a few weeks later when he volunteered to take point for someone else in his platoon. He took a bullet to the left thigh. It was who he was. He would always go out of his way for someone in need. Lyle served his country in the Vietnam War from 1967 until 1968. He was a combat infantryman for Company B, 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry, Armed Division, US Army. He served with valor and distinction, being awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Star’s and was the recipient of the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Purple Heart. Lyle was a Second Class Gunner, and a certified Sharpshooter. This skill he took to the mountain during hunting season. He endured the harsh conditions of war, that only those who were there could begin to understand. But the consequences of service did not end there. Lyle struggled with multiple physical issues, several heart attacks, and finally a stroke in 2012. This left him in a wheelchair. Still refusing to give up his “Good Buddy” Marlboro Cigarettes or a good old swisher sweet cigar. This he took up after the doctors told him to quit smoking cigarettes. A rebel in his own way, doing things in his own time. A trait his daughters also possesses, thankfully they have husbands who gently roll their eyes.
He successfully ran the family farm in Price, gathering and delivering eggs from over 10,000 chickens he raised from babies. Continuing the Baker tradition, he learned from his father Wes “Bear” Baker. For over 40 years, he provided door to door service. He had a personal standard of taking pride in both his word and the quality products he brought to his faithful customers. He opened CC Produce delivering potatoes, squash, corn and cucumbers to several surrounding areas and retail stores. Every spring he would plan for his prized Pumkin field. He loved watching the kids and family members bring generations to his field to personally pick just the right one for carving. He loved his community, often donating to local schools, care centers, and those in need during difficult times as the coal mines would struggle. Putting more on the books than he would take home. He had a soft spot for the family members left behind by those off serving our country. Often giving anonymously to the local armory/national guard. He felt in his heart it was the right thing to do. “Pay it Forward”.
Many men who have confronted, and overcome, the trials and tribulations that Lyle has had to endure, would easily have given up, becoming negative, depressed, and bitter. But not Lyle. Even confined to a wheelchair, most of his body paralyzed, and the rest in chronic pain, Lyle remained a happy and positive person. He loved a good belly laugh and most of the time he was the cause. Never one to complain, he instead spent his energy being an inspiration to others. He was a voice of optimism, hope, and gratitude. His dedication to the love of his life Shawna will forever stand in his children’s hearts. He stood by his wife through her struggles with mental and physical illness and was by her side when she passed away in 2008 on Christmas Eve. No matter what he was doing he would stop so he could be with her every night for dinner. He did the same for her mother Eva Sampi. He was an amazing father, husband, farmer, friend. Lyle was all these things, and more. He was a man of character, courage, strength, and integrity. But towards the end, he was in great pain, exhausted from the fight, and ready to pass on to the next realm.
Lyle had many quotes that his loved ones will always remember. “The only person you have to answer to, is the person in the mirror looking back at you”. “You are only as good as your word”. You wake up every day and you have a choic, to have a good day or a bad day. It’s up to you’.” ‘There is always someone worse off than you, so be grateful for what you have”. ‘Family and friends, that is what life is all about” ‘Hell don’t sweat all that small stuff, don’t be a negative nellie”.
Lyle is survived by his daughters, Jody “Matt” Wenner and Sandi “Michael” Blackham. Grandchildren Corbin Fisher “Brittny”, Lakota “Chantelle” Fisher, Shawn Blackham, Caine Wenner “Emma”, JD Baker. Great grandchildren Joe and Evaniee Fisher. Daddy sends his thanks to all the above who diligently cared for him after his stroke. Lyle and his family would like to give a special recognitive to Carrie Wilson from CNS and their whole staffing team for superb care. He leaves behind several brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and nieces, and friends from a life well lived. Remember that he may be gone but not forgotten. Once again reunited with those who preceded him in death.
From your girls we will miss you daddy.
Funeral service, Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 12:00 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main) in Price where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment, Price City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.