Lloyd DeBaker

Today and every day, we honor and celebrate the life of Lloyd Alvin De Baker, beloved family man who dedicated his life to his family and serving his country. He was a devoted friend to all who were fortunate enough to know him. 

The son of Oliver and Lillian (Ropson) DeBaker, Lloyd was born in Green Bay, WI, where he was a Boy Scout in Troop 18, was a member of the Explorer Scouts Troop 518, and served in the Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol. He later joined the US Army for which he served honorably for 40 years and was a decorated war veteran (including two purple hearts) of both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Lloyd saw combat with the 25th Infantry Division in Korea from 7/27/1950 – 8/2/1951 and served in the Pacific and in Guam (Wake Island and Midway Atoll). During the years 1952–53, Lloyd was with the Special Army Aviation Enger in the British West Indies; then, in 1959-62, he was a Senior Army Instructor at the US Army Engineer School at Murnau, Germany. On 7/27/1967, Lloyd was sent to Vietnam and was in the Tet Offensive in February 1968. Lloyd married Judith Gae (Scholmann) DeBaker on 5/2/1970 in San Diego, CA, and continued his military career as a recruiter who was “without equal” for the US Marine Corps at MCRD in San Diego until his retirement in June 1993. 

Lloyd and Judy lived together in San Diego until Judy’s passing on 7/14/2019. We will always remember Lloyd for his smile and for his incredibly comprehensive and exciting tales of travel, the Green Bay Packers, and practically any subject one could think of. Lloyd loved to tell stories, but not just simple ones—he remembered vivid details and included those in the fun-filled accounts that he selflessly gave to those in his presence (even up until hours before his passing). When you met him, you became family, and you were brought into a wonderful friendship that included his never-faulting understanding and love of people. 

Lloyd was preceded in death by his sisters, Rosella Schindler and Viola Buckman (both from Green Bay, WI) and is survived by his niece Pat Schindler (De Pere, WI), his niece-by-marriage Kathleen Farnum (San Diego, CA), a large extended family, and many friends (especially those in his close-knit community of Villa Novia Country Estates in El Cajon, CA). Together with his loving wife, Lloyd will be buried at sea with full military honors. Please visit legacyfuneralcare.com to offer condolences to the family or send a note to celebrate this amazing man.