Gene Paul Baker

Gene Paul Baker, age 89 of Dadeville, MO, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in his home.

He was born to Howard and Pauline (Todd) Baker on October 12, 1933, near the present day family home in Cane Hill, MO. Gene attended his elementary years at Flint Hill School and high school years at the Stockton District, graduating in 1951. Afterwards he worked in the Olive Orchards in California before coming back to marry the love of his life, Allowee Chism on June 19, 1953. They were married just 11 days before Gene was shipped off to Japan in the Korean War. In August of 1952, Gene and Allowee were baptized together in what was called the “the city bathtub”, a spring fed pool of water near Cane Hill, MO. Together they worshipped at Flint Hill and the Bona Church of Christ. Gene and Allowee were blessed with 3 girls, Ronda (David) Melton, Donna (Brent) Long, and Penny (Jay) Freeze. Gene and Allowee were so looking forward to celebrating their upcoming wedding anniversary, just shy of 70 years. Gene, a faithful follower of Christ was very thankful to his heavenly father, giving Him thanks at almost every meal, even up to his final days. He was a hard worker and a man of few words.

In his earlier years, Gene and Allowee raised pigs and cattle which later became only a beef cattle production. In 1999 Gene’s daughter, Ronda and her husband David, joined Gene in running his beef cattle operation until his health declined. Gene was kind, patient, and a man of integrity. He will be remembered by his family for his dry, witty humor, always lightening the mood. Gene enjoyed music shows, card games, fishing, and camping with his close neighbor friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Howard and Pauline Baker; his inlaws, Glen and Fae Chism; two brothers, Jack Baker and John Baker; loving sister, Janice Wilkerson Browning; infant baby sister, Janie Baker; and three brothers-in-law, Bud Wilson, Joel Hyden, and Sonny Fitts.

Survivors include his loving wife, Allowee Baker of the home; three daughters, Ronda Melton and husband David of Aldrich, MO, Donna Long and husband Brent of Aldrich, MO, and Penny Freeze and husband Jay of Dadeville, MO; four sisters, Jeanette Wilson of Bakersfield, CA, June Fitts of Chiloquin, OR, Judy Hyden of Bakersfield, CA, and Joey Ross and husband George of Taft, CA; one sister-in-law, Pauline Baker of Bakersfield, CA; seven grandchildren, Sonja Keathley and husband Matthew, Alyssa White and husband A.J., Brook Glenn and husband Derek, Glen Long and wife Lauren, Cody Freeze and wife Allison, Julie Vanhooser and husband Andrew, and Kyle Freeze and wife Mati; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Bona Cemetery. No formal visitation was held, but friends and family were welcome to view and pay their respects at their convenience on Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Greenfield Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services were under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.