No headline

JD Baker, 89

JD Baker, 89, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene. JD was born on May 9, 1929, in Liberal, Kan., to Orrie and Emma (Sorem) Baker. JD grew up on a farm outside of Homedale, Idaho, and attended Homedale High School. He also attended George Fox College in Newberg, Ore., where he met Leona Johnston. They were married at Greenleaf Friends Church, Greenleaf, Idaho, on June 11, 1950, and were married for 65 years.

JD was a member of Kiwanis much of his adult life and was Lt. Gov. of the region at one point. He was highly involved in his church, Hayden Friends. He served on the board of directors of George Fox College for a number of years, along with many local committees and charities.

JD worked for various companies in Caldwell and Boise, Idaho, until 1961, when he and his wife moved to Hayden Lake, Idaho, to assist in building Hayden Lake Friends Church, which is now Yates Funeral Home in Hayden. In 1962 he partnered with Julian Lovlyn to create BAKER-LOVLYN Inc. to build homes and develop property in the Coeur d’Alene area. Retiring from building in 1985, he and Leona moved to Newberg, Ore., to be executive director of Friends Fund Inc.

After retiring, they moved back to Post Falls, Idaho, to be close to family, especially grandkids. In 2011, they moved into North Star Retirement Home for the rest of their life together. Leona passed away in 2015. At the time of his death, JD resided at the Orchard Ridge Retirement Center in Coeur d’Alene.

JD was preceded in death by his wife, Leona M. Baker. He is survived by sons, David (Diana) Baker of Post Falls and Ronald (Mischel) Baker of Hayden; daughter, Jan K. (Jim) Barbour of Tigard, Ore.; grandsons: Chad (Katie) Baker of New York, Kyle Baker of New York, Tyler (Amanda) Baker of Post Falls and Brian (Jen) Baker of Coeur d’Alene; granddaughter, Jaleesa (Colt) Woodbury of Rathdrum. JD is also survived by the pride of his life, his great-grandkids: Cherri Woodbury, Lily Woodbury, Hayley Woodbury, Zoe Baker, Owen Baker, Brooklyn Baker, Austin Baker, Madison Baker and Evan Baker.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, at River of Life Friends Church, 3263 E. 12th Ave., Post Falls, Idaho, with Ken Royal officiating. Everyone who wishes to remember JD is welcome to attend.