Craige Baker

Lee Craige Baker peacefully passed away at home April 27, 2018. Craige was born August 15,1943 in Portland, Oregon to Lee Hutchings and Naomi Mathews Baker. The oldest of four children, he was a fun big brother who loved to play and tease with his brothers and sister.

The family moved to various towns in southern Utah, finally settling in Rose Park, Salt Lake area. Craige was active in nearly every sport imaginable. If it involved a ball, he played it. He was Marble Champion, All-State tennis, played football, baseball, basketball, bowling, ping-pong, golf, you name it. He graduated from West High School where he was involved in sports and choir.

Craige served in the Toronto, Canada Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints spending most of his time in the Eastern parts of Canada. Upon his honorable return, he married his sweetheart, La Rae Dallin in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in the Salt Lake area adding four children, Melanie, Randy Craige, Kimberlee and Valeri to their family.

During this time, Craige served his country in the Army Reserves for nearly 15 years. He loved his country and was proud to serve. He worked as a regional Salesman for Restaurant and Store Equipment Company for over 35 years, traveling around Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. In 1976 the little family moved to Chubbuck, Idaho and added two more children, Heather and Travis Dean, to the family.

Though he traveled a lot, he was active in his kids' sports lives- cheering from the bleachers, coaching when he could or practicing in the backyard. His love of sports has been passed down to all of his kids and grandkids.

Craige was an active member of the Chubbuck 2nd Ward and served faithfully in many callings. He worked for years with the Boy Scouts and was awarded the Silver Beaver. Craige spent time as an ordinance worker in the Idaho Falls Temple and was a dedicated Home Teacher and was always available to help set up and take down. He had a wry sense of humor and could be counted on for a horrible pun.

After retirement, Craige became involved in the Senior Activity Center choir the Silver Chords, and served as president of the Gateway Barbershop Chorus. He spent countless hours practicing songs and organizing activities for choir events and competitions. If you have had a barbershop quartet sing to you on Valentine's Day, he probably scheduled it. He loved singing.

He is survived by his wife, La Rae, children Randy (Lisa) Baker, Kimberlee Baker, Valeri Reece, Heather Baker, Travis (JaNeil) Baker, Sister Arlene (Darlyn) Sorensen, 8 (nearly 9) grandchildren Shayla (Alex), Mercedes, Macy, Jenna, Dallin, Donaven, Oren, LeeAnna and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard M and William Benjamin and daughter Melanie.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the Chubbuck 2nd Ward LDS Chapel located at 4775 Hawthorne Road. A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018 at Wilks Funeral Home 211 W. Chubbuck Road and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Interment will follow services in the Mt. View Cemetery.

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