Howard Milton Baker

Howard Milton Baker, 93, of Smithville, Missouri, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Care Network Assisted Living in Platte City, Missouri. Howard was born on March 7, 1932, in Belmont, Iowa, to Maxwell and June Baker. He graduated from high school in Walker, Minnesota. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the Air Force during the Korean War. During his service, he was deployed to Japan, where he worked as a mechanic. He was released from duty due to a family hardship and returned home to Walker, where he met his future wife, Mary Ann Baker. They were married on October 6, 1956, in Walker, Minnesota. While living in Walker, Howard and Mary worked at the Baker Family Resort on Leech Lake. Howard led guided fishing tours, maintained the fishing boats, and handled the landscaping. A guided trip with some men from Trans World Airlines (TWA) led to a job offer, and Howard soon moved with his wife and parents to Dearborn, Missouri. Howard attended Baker's School of Aeronautics, earning his Aviation Airframe Mechanics and Aviation Powerplant Mechanics Certificates. He credited his wife, Mary, for helping him complete his training, as she read all of his study materials to him due to a reading disability. While in school, he worked in Grounds Services at TWA and later advanced to Aircraft Mechanic, and eventually, Aircraft Maintenance Inspector. His expertise took him to Saudi Arabia, where he trained aircraft mechanics for two years. Howard retired from TWA after a long and successful career. Howard loved working with his hands. He opened Baker's Garage out of his home, becoming the go-to man in Dearborn for car air conditioning repairs. A lifelong "Ford man," he also enjoyed working on and driving demo and race cars. Howard's hobbies included fishing, good food, and watching sports, especially cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. He and Mary spent their retirement RVing across the country with friends, often wintering in Texas, where they enjoyed margaritas in Mexico and visits to local casinos. Known for his ability to make friends wherever he went, Howard was an infectiously happy man. He was loyal and devoted to his family and friends, always ready to lend a helping hand. Howard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary; his parents; siblings; and many dear friends. He is survived by his sons Steven (Jean) Baker of Flower Mound, Texas, and Richard (Judy) Baker of Smithville, Missouri; his grandchildren Michelle (James) Calhoun and Tiffany Baker of Smithville, MO, Stacy (Adam) Bell, Robbie Sherrod, and Kelsey (Josh) Lievsay; his great-grandchildren Trystin, Kaidence, and Alexander Calhoun; Nolan Bell; and Adelaide Lievsay; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Vaughn-Aufranc Funeral Home in Dearborn, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 10, at the funeral home, followed by interment at Dearborn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, in honor of Howard's late wife, Mary Ann Baker. Arrangements by Vaughn-Aufranc Funeral Home-Dearborn, MO, PH.816-992-3366. www.vaughnfuneralhomes.com.