George Arthur Baker

George Arthur Baker, 71, of Jefferson City, peacefully passed away at his home on Thursday, May 11, 2017. George was born September 3, 1945, in Jefferson City, Missouri, a son of the late Frank Victor Baker and Shirley (Smallwood) Baker Hitz. He was a graduate of Russellville High School in Russellville, Missouri. George was a self-employed entrepreneur and owned several businesses in the central Missouri area. He was a member of the Home Association of American Legion Post 5, and was also a manager, organizer, and fundraising coordinator of the Post 5 Baseball Team for nearly thirty years. George was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1967 to 1970, including a tour in the Vietnam War. George loved all sports, traveling, and especially enjoying time with his friends and family. George is survived by a son: Corey Baker (wife Sandra) of Chicago, Ill.; a daughter: Tonya Bernskoetter (husband Mark) of Jefferson City, Mo.; three grandchildren: Nicole Bernskoetter of Kansas City, Mo.; Payton Bernskoetter of Chicago, Ill; Joseph Bernskoetter of Jefferson City, Mo.; two brothers: Victor Baker of Jefferson City, Mo.; Bruce Hitz of California, Mo.; two sisters: Sherry Faughn (husband Donnie) of California, Mo.; Terri Carter of Jefferson City, Mo.; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, friends and one great-grandniece. George was also preceded in death by a sister: Penny Clark. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, May 15, 2017, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home with Pastor Robert "Bob" Nilges officiating. Entombment with Full Military Honors will follow in the Hawthorn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Legion Post 5 Baseball Team. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com