Bernard Dean Baker

Bernard Dean Baker, age 86, entered the gates of heaven on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. He was born November 6, 1932, to Elmer James Baker and Opal Bernard Baker, in San Diego, California, eventually moving to Salem, Oregon. While pursuing a pharmacology degree and driving a city bus in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bernie met Edna Irene Hainey, of Somerset, Kentucky. Their friendship blossomed and they married November 2, 1952. Drafted into the army, they moved to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where son Larry Dean was born. When discharged, they moved back to Minneapolis, where daughter Theresa Jean was born. A career change to pursue aeronautics caused the family to move several times over the next few years. Bernie attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute in Miami, Florida, and Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, before accepting a pilot position with Eastern Airlines in Chicago. After a transfer to Atlanta, Georgia, he spent many happy years in the cockpit of an airplane. Upon retiring, Bernie and Irene bought a farm, built a house, and started a tree farm near Concord, Georgia. Bernie loved his Lord, his wife, and his children and their children. He always worked hard to provide for their needs and was always very proud of their achievements. Bernie also loved to tinker and had countless projects ongoing at all times, many not ever actually finished. He had a great love for music, and although he could never carry a tune, that didn’t stop him from singing his favorite hymns and songs! His garden, one of his greatest joys, was huge, and he loved sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. The funeral service celebrating the life Bernard lived is Monday, April 15, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Concord Baptist Church, 9670 GA Hwy 18, Concord, GA. The family will greet friends on Monday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the church. Burial will follow the service at Old Hebron Cemetery. Bernie is predeceased by his parents Elmer and Opal, his brother Robert Baker, and his grandson David Ray Baker. He is survived by his wife Edna Irene; his children Larry Baker and Brenda, and Theresa Goolsbee and Keith; grandchildren Lee Goolsbee, Andrew Goolsbee, and Melissa Bynum; great-grandchild Owen Goolsbee; sister Margaret Kalne and brother David Baker; and many nieces and nephews. He is loved and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Bernard Dean Baker

November 6, 1932 - April 10, 2019