Lester G. Baker was born October 21, 1912, in Haakon County to Jesse and Elsie (Garrett) Baker. He grew up in Haakon County and attended school in that area. Lester farmed at the 11 mile corner where his mother homesteaded.

Lester was united in marriage to Margaret McGrath on June 10, 1937 in Philip. They continued to farm at the 11 mile corner until moving into Philip in 1948. They owned and operated Baker's Home Appliance in Philip from 1948 until 1960. He was the first licensed plumber in Haakon County. Lester laid several waterlines in Philip. After his heart attack in 1955 he continued in the Baker's Appliance store until 1960 when they started the Speed Wash and Dry Cleaning in Philip and later purchased the Pioneer Laundry in Wall. Lester and Margaret operated these businesses until selling the Pioneer Wash in Wall in 1975, and then the Speed Wash and Dry Cleaning in 1981 when they retired.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret, of Philip; one son, James Baker of Seattle, Washington; two daughters, Marcia (Don) Eymer of Milesville, and Eldora (Alan) Velder of Lake George, Colorado; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one sister, Velva Baker of Carson City, Nevada; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Lester was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Joan Eymer, and his parents.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, June 22, 1985
10:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Church
Philip, South Dakota
OFFICIATING
Reverend Marion "Bud" Sechler
MUSIC
Shirley Amsden - Organist
Elvera Moos - Vocalist
USHERS
Bill Lockett - Paul Stahl
PALLBEARERS
John Knutson - Ed Flemming
Charles Dorothy - Bill Sandal
Jerry Engelson - Paul Elshere
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota