Russell James Baker

Russell J. Baker, 51, of Callaway, Nebraska, died Monday, March 2, 2009, at the Callaway District Hospital in Callaway. He was born February 26, 1958, at Omaha, Nebraska, to Richard and Jean (Fox) Baker. Russell attended grade school in Needles, California. The family then moved back to Omaha where he graduated from Omaha Benson High School. At the age of 16 he paved his first driveway. After high school Russell started a construction crew with his two brothers in Denver, Colorado. While working in Denver, he met the love of his life, Deena. The couple lived in Maine where they ran a tourist business and his construction business. They lived in Maine from 1987 to 1993 when they returned to Canon City, Colorado. The couple ran a miniature putt-putt golf course, go-cart track and ran two gift shops, and a concrete company until 2005. In 2005, the couple moved to Callaway where he ran his own construction company. Russell was very accomplished at his trade being able to do anything with concrete from stamping to engraving. He was a chainsaw woodcarver, making wood sculptures as intricate as eagles and bears. He was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish. He was always active and dedicated to his family and the Lord. Survivors include his wife: Deena Baker of Callaway, Nebraska One son: Russ Baker of Callaway, Nebraska One daughter: Autumn Baker of Callaway, Nebraska Mother and Stepfather: Jean & Jiggs Gorn of Callaway, Nebraska Brothers: Roger Gorn of Council Bluffs, Iowa Richard & Sandy Baker of Thermapolis, Wyoming Roger & Debbie Baker of Alamogordo, New Mexico Mother-in-law: Pat Stanley of Memphis, Tennessee Stepbrother and Stepsister: Gary and Vickie Maternal Father: Richard Numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Russell was preceded in death by his grandparents; father-in-law, Dick Stanley and stepsister, Debbie. Funeral Services will be Friday, March 6, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the Callaway Community Center in Callaway with Reverend Jerry Schwarz and Pastor Dean Haidle officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5, 2009, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the Family for designation later back to the Callaway Community in Russell’s memory. A Potluck dinner will be held following the funeral service. Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.