Fred O. Baker, 88

Fred O. Baker, 88, of Hayden, died Jan. 27, 2011, in Coeur d'Alene. He was born March 6, 1922, in Spokane, Wash., to Brooks and Alice (Olsen) Baker.

Fred was a decorated veteran that served in the Army in WWII. He attended WSU on an athletic scholarship. He was a Phys Ed major and played quarterback. Fred retired from the automotive business in the early '80s. He was an avid golfer, bridge player and bowler.

Fred is survived by sons and daughter-in-law, Fred and Sher Baker of Boise, and Ray Flaherty of Hayden Lake; daughters, Bobbie Small of Spokane, Mary Gust of Sausalito, Calif.; brothers, Robert Baker of Salem, Ore., Dick Small of Newman Lake, Wash., Bob Small of New Jersey. Also survived by 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Rita Baker in 1993 and second wife, Jacqueline "Jackie" Flaherty Baker in 2007; sisters, Barbara, Helen, Fern and Dorothy; and brother Charles.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to St. Pius Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815.

Memorial services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at St. Pius with a reception to follow at Avondale Golf Course. Bell Tower Funeral Home and Crematory, Post Falls, is in care of arrangements.

Please visit Fred's online memorial at belltowerfuneralhome.com.