William "Bill" Baker

Bill was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on November 19, 1946, to Luther and Lillie Baker. As a child his family farmed throughout the Magic Valley. Bill graduated with the class of ‘65 in Oakley, Idaho. He had many fond childhood memories of the time spent with friends and running the hills and highways in the Burley/Oakley area. 

He then chose to enter the Air Force and served his country through the Vietnam War. He returned to Washington and worked for his brother Wesley. Bill and Spur met in Pasco, Washington and were married in 1975. They soon immigrated to Alberta, Canada, where they had two daughters, Lark and Robyn. In 1980 they returned to Filer to be closer to Bill’s parents. Their third daughter, Wren, was also born that year. His daughters brought him great pride and joy as he and Spur provided a happy and unique childhood for their girls on their acreage in Filer. 

Bill worked construction in Washington, Alberta, and Idaho. He was groundskeeper for the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds and finished his working years as a building and home inspector. 

Bill served his community officially as an EMT, joined Kiawanas, and as a Director at the Filer Mutual Telephone Company. 

Unofficially, he served his community by always being available to lend a hand to his neighbors. He especially was available to his family. He was generous in sharing his time, knowledge, and resources wherever he could. 

After retiring his toolbelt and clipboard in 2017 he and his brother, Wes, bought mules. They rode and packed into the mountains and deserts of Idaho, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon. He loved those years enjoying God’s creation with Spur and good friends. 

If you ever visited with Bill, you would soon hear all about his grandchildren and would get a first hand glimpse into how much he delighted in them. He built forts with them, brought them ice cream and licorice, let them dig through his shirt pockets as they clambered on his lap. He taught them how to build and work, included them in his tinkering projects, and modeled manhood, citizenship, and critical thinking skills. With his big hands and bigger heart he proved to be the best Papa. 

Bill was proceeded in death by his parents, Luther and Lillie Baker, five of his siblings; infant J.B. Baker, Barbara Richards, Wesley Self, Sue Miller, and L.D. Baker. 

His remaining family includes: His wife of 49 years, Spur. Daughters; Lark Baker, Robyn (Mike) ZeBarth, and Wren Gozzo. Grandchildren; Braden, Mycah, Isaiah, and Lily Wiggins; Joe, Hank, Wes, Josh, and Sam ZeBarth; and Luke and Renata Gozzo. He is also survived by sister Joyce (Matt) Rendace, many beloved nephews, nieces, and the extended Self family. 

He appreciated the care from the nursing staff at the St. Luke's Cancer Institute. A special thank you to niece, Jeanie Shaub, and “daughter # 4”, Faye Lewis, for the comforting care in his last days. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Idaho Youth Ranch where Bill spent many hours prowling for a deal or to the Ronald McDonald House.