Mr. Frederick Eugene "Fred" Baker, 68, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully of natural causes at Elkhart General Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019.  He was born Dec. 1, 1951 in Elkhart to the late Frederick Leininger and Dorothy Baker.

Survivors include his sons Lucas Baker of Elkhart and Todd Baker of Somerset, KY; grandchildren Tyler and Adalynn Baker; his brother Larry (Janice) Leininger of Elkhart; long-time close friend Danny Albright and his faithful caregivers Sammy, Heather and Peggy. He is preceded in death by his beloved dog, precious.

Fred's life will be celebrated with a memorial service on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020 at 1:00 pm at the Disabled American Veteran's Post 19, 1205 Middleton Run Road, Elkhart. Visitation will begin one hour prior. Services will include a brief homily by Andy Williams, DAV #19 Chaplain and military honors rendered by DAV #19 and the US Army Funeral Honor Guard. Cremation has taken place with the assistance of Billings Funeral Home and Altera Cremation Services of Elkhart.

After being discharged from the US Army during Vietnam, Fred was a welder for Dexter Axel until he became disabled. Even then, he continued to remain as active as he could and was a lifetime member at the DAV #19 and also belonged to the Bristol American Legion #143. He was active in the Masons as well and was a 32 degree Mason and member of the Scottish Rite of the South Bend Valley, Goshen Tyrian Lodge #718 and the Mitzpah Shriners of Ft. Wayne. He also enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR and raising a bit of hell whenever the notion hit him.

On-line condolences may reach the family by visiting the funeral home's website. Memorial donations may be given to the Frederick E. Baker Memorial Fund in care of his son, Lucas, on behalf of the education of Adalynn Baker.