Cw2 Charles Baker, Usa, Ret.

Dale Baker, 82, of Copperas Cove passed away on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Funeral Services will be at  10:00 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Scott's Funeral Home of Copperas Cove with burial following at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service.

Dale was born on January 2, 1936, to John and Virginia Collins Baker in Marion, IL. Dale graduated from Marion Township High School in 1954. In high school, Dale spent his time working at the local newspaper. He loved journalism and dreamed of pursuing that as a career. Dale married Phyllis Brown on September 17, 1955, in Marion, IL. In 1957, he decided to join the United States Army. Dale had a long career and loved his 20 plus years in the Army, raising his family in Europe for two of his four tours. After his retirement, he worked for Civil Service at Fort Riley, KS for another 22 years. While living in Junction City, KS he and his wife started the Teens for Christ at the YMCA, he served as a Master Mason at the Masonic Lodge #7, and was an active member of First Baptist Church. Dale also was known for his BBQ sauce, "Mr. Baker's Sauce", that he sold next to Auto Zone and shipped internationally. Dale loved boating, camping and fishing in his spare time with his family. They moved to Copperas Cove in June of 2009 and became active at the First Baptist Church.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marilyn Kucheska; brother, John Thomas Baker and a niece, Karen Baker.

Dale is survived by his wife of 62 years, Phyllis Baker; children, Charles Dale Baker, Jr., and wife, Betsy, Bruce Allen Baker, Sheila Kay Baker-Daymude-Rowland and husband, Ted, Anthony Lee Baker and wife, Stephanie; brothers, Frank Baker, Harold Baker; nine grandchildren; and  six great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Copperas Cove, 300 W. Ave B, Copperas Cove, TX 76522.