Dearl Eugene Baker, son of the late Claude Connor and Ruby Mae (Skaggs) Baker, was born Nov. 26, 1945, in Bendavis, and passed away Oct. 25, 2020, at Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mountain Grove. He was 74 years, 10 months and 29 days of age. Dearl grew up in the Bendavis community. He went to Long Valley School and Plato High School. Dearl married Barbara Perkins on April 30, 1966, in Upton. One son was born to this union. He was saved at Number One Free Will Baptist Church, and in recent years, had attended Almost Home Church as long as his health permitted. Dearl worked for Firestone for 10 years. He then worked for Wal-Mart for more than 36 years, where he was an associate in the lawn and garden department as well as a door greeter. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and working on small engines. He greatly loved getting to spoil his grandkids.
Besides his parents, Dearl was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and Delbert Baker; and two sisters, Claudia Maxine Hutsell and Mary Crewse. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife, Barbara Baker; one son, Allen Baker and his wife, Taleisa, of Mountain Grove; three grandchildren, Clinton and Kodie Causey and Talon Baker; two brothers, Ronnie Baker and his wife, Teresa, of Houston, and Ralph Baker and his wife, Diane, of Lynchburg; three sisters, Wanda Myers and her husband, Bob, of Grovespring; Phyllis Coffman and her husband, Johnny, of Dora; and Linda Pearce, of Mountain Grove; and other relatives and friends who will sadly miss him. Visitation for Dearl Baker was held Wednesday, October 28, 2020, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Funeral services were held Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, at 10 a.m., also at the funeral home, with the Rev. Wayne Cannon officiating. Song selections were “Lord, Build Me A Cabin In Gloryland,” “How Great Thou Art” and Amazing Grace.” Shelby Moore, Terry Moore, Nolan Tate, Robert Perkins, Raymond Bishop and Steve Prock served as pallbearers. Burial was in Manes Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
