Dr. Lee Baker, 72, of Van, completed his earthly journey on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, in Tyler surrounded by his loving family. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. A private family memorial will be held in the spring.

Lee was born on Oct. 10, 1949, in Winchester, Virginia, to Lillie Garaldine Morris and Floyd Issac Baker. After high school, Lee enlisted in the United States Navy. He was a mustang officer and sailed through the rankings. Lee had a very accomplished miliary career. He served his county for over 25 years. While in the Navy, Lee obtained his doctorate degree and became a physician’s assistant. Lee was a dedicated Christian and pastored at Arbor church for 15 years. He married the love of his life, Wanda “Waffles” Baker, on Dec. 1, 1970, and they shared 51 wonderful years of marriage together. Lee was a loving husband and father to his three children. Lee enjoyed history and flying as a private pilot.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Wanda “Waffles” Baker of Van; sons, Jim Baker and wife Dena Baker of Kilgore, Kristopher Baker and wife Michelle Baker of Edom; daughter, Theresa Maire Luttrell and husband Wesly Luttrell of Del Ray, West Virginia; grandchildren, Gabby Baker of Kilgore, Travis Baker of Kilgore, Aryanna Baker of Florida, Daniel Luttrell of Del Ray, West Virginia, and Nathan Luttrell (Tommy) of Del Ray, West Virginia, Krystal Baker; step-grandchildren Cora Jackson, Aaron Jackson, Brandy and John Benton and family; his siblings, Skip Baker and wife Vickie Baker of Florida, Mike Baker and wife Vickie Baker of Florida, Garry and wife Brenda Baker of Virginia, Joe Baker and wife Robin of Virginia and Vickie Baker and husband Roy Miller of Virginia.