Stephen Allen Baker

On December 15th, 2024 at the age of 77, with his beloved wife by his side, Stephen answered Jesus' call and went home to his heavenly mansion after a long brave battle with many health issues including Pulmonary Fibrosis. After 40 plus years of working construction, we have no doubt he is looking for something to build or remodel in heaven, while waiting for the rest of us to join him.
It was January 17th 1947 when Stephen made his grand entrance on a cold and blustery day in Portland, Maine. He was then taken home by parents Ida Mae and Levi to meet his big brother Bob. When Steve was just a few months old, he was found to be intolerant of cold weather. That prompted the family to move to southern California so Steve could bask in the warm sunshine. From then on, he was known as Steve, unless he was in trouble, which no doubt was often.
Steve spent his formative years in Catholic school, much to the chagrin of many nuns, who learned very quickly that they did not possess the patience of Job. At 17, while working at the original In & Out Burger, Steve bought his dream car, a 64' Chevelle Malibu SS, but his father refused to let him keep it. Although the car didn't last, his love for In & Out did for the rest of his life.
Tired of his father telling him what to do, Steve quit school and joined the Army. The Army sent him on many all expense paid tours of exotic locales including LA, KY, NJ, TX and Germany. From there he was sent to Vietnam with the 1st Infantry Div, The Big Red One, where he was a Tanker and involved in the Tet Offensive.
After 5 years in the Army, Steve embarked on a career as a carpenter. After a failed marriage, Steve met the woman of his dreams, Gloria. He would spend the next 42 years hopelessly devoted and in love with her. Steve completely remodeled their home, and worked tirelessly to give Gloria anything she wanted. During their marriage, with thanks to God and Gloria, Steve became a devout Christian, embarking on an incredible journey to become the amazing man he was when he passed. He was actively involved in men's ministry at his church for years and he was very involved in Promise Keepers, enlisting many others to attend the events held in various locations. He not only attended the events but he was a true Promise Keeper in the way he lived his life. He treasured the years he spent in the United States Army but he cherished the years he chose to spend in the Lord's Army.
He also started Steve Baker Construction, building many beautiful homes in Red Bluff and Redding. His attention to detail and perfectionism made him a popular and trusted home builder.
After retiring, Steve (sometimes Stephen) and Gloria traveled, making new friends, leading many to the Lord and passing out Bibles wherever they went. They loved cruising and roaming in their 5th wheel. Steve also enjoyed years of golfing and was elated when he finally got a hole in one at Sevillano Links in Corning, CA, which of course he bragged about for years. When at home, Steve loved working in his yard, improving his property (building no less than THREE Gazebo's), reading his Bible daily, harassing friends and family with his wicked sense of humor, discussing politics, putting hot sauce on everything, and doting on Gloria.
Steve was a loving, funny, opinionated, stubborn, caring, kind man who loved his family, friends, his fellow Vets and Jesus beyond measure. He had a ministry dedicated to passing out challenge coins to every Vet he met and always told them "Welcome Home Brother". There are no words to express how much he will be missed. His absence has left a monumental hole in the hearts of all who loved him.
Steve had a big bucket list but it was finally completed when he saw Jesus.
Steve was predeceased by his parents, brother Bob, sister Patty, infant son Paul from his first marriage, and his golf game. Steve is survived by his amazing wife Gloria, four wonderful step children whom he loved as his own: Cindy (Tom) Anderson, Robert Costa, Charlotte Temesgan and Charles Lewis. He is also survived by brother Pete (Tully), sister Andrea, two nieces, a nephew, eleven step grandkids and four greats. Also mourning Steve's loss is his Sister-in-Law, Glenda Hodges, who shared in his shenanigans - without telling Gloria.
A private interment was at the Veterans cemetery in Igo where he longed to rest with "his brothers." A celebration of life will be held at the First Church of God, 750 Luther Rd in Red Bluff on Saturday, February 1st at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wounded Warriors or your favorite charity in Steve's name.