Obituary of Jesse E. Baker

“Doc” Baker was born Jesse Everett Baker on December 28th, 1924 to Hubert and Nancy “Elizabeth” Baker in Poor Fork, Ky (now known as Cumberland, Ky). Jesse was the oldest of 4 children. He is survived by his sisters; Evelyn Baker-Wine (married to Howard Wine), Janeen Baker-Hood (married to William “Doe” Hood) and his brother, J.D. Baker. During Jesse’s early years the “Baker Children” had many brothers and sisters at the Masonic Home in Richmond, VA. This is where he and his sisters completed their primary and high school educations. During these years Jesse mastered many skills including target shooting and football. He served in the Army in 1946. After basic training, Private Jesse Baker was stationed in Japan under the Military Police unit. During his time in the military, Pvt. Baker competed in several target shooting competitions. One competition was for the base record. His gun jammed and the Sargent would not allow Jesse to sight the replacement rifle before continuing. Much to his chagrin he came in 2nd place, missing only 10 shots; 2 shots behind the winner and 4 shots under the record holder… all while shooting with an unsighted rifle. He had a special love for Tennessee Walker horses, one that he shared with his kids. He was an avid rider and breeder. He has several awards for competitions he entered with his horses. Later in life he went on to become a Doctor of Chiropractic which he had a successful practice on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma and later moved to his home office on Waller Road in Tacoma. This is when Jesse became known to friends and patients as “Doc”. Doc loved researching his family heritage. He found that one of our ancestor and his 4 Kilgore brothers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The Kilgore brothers fought in the Battle of King’s Mountain on October 7th, 1780. This battle was considered to be the turning point of the war. He spoke of this often and for the final time only days before he passed. He was proud to have connection to such a significant piece of American history. In his later years Doc enjoyed watching TV, and especially the tennis and golf channels. He was moved to tears when Pete Sampras retired from tennis in 2003 and was ecstatic when Rory McIlroy became the youngest golfer to win the US Open since 1923 in June 2011. His daughters and sons, Sharon Dahl, Janice Kanar, David Baker, Jeb Baker, Jenna Warner, and Lucy; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his two angels, Monica and Ingrid; his friends Lee, Samberson, K.A., Carol, and Hildegard as well as many others…we will hold him in our hearts. He was always proud of his family & friends and he loved us all. May peace be with you, Dad. Services will be held at 11:30am on Tuesday, August 9th, 2011 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA.