WEST GROVE — Wallace S. “Buzz” Baker, 81, of West Grove, died July 16, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. He was born March 17, 1932, in Ottumwa to Ernest and Ona Merryman Burton Baker. He married Patricia Charles Nov. 30, 1984, in Newton. He served in the United States Marine Corp and was a fireman at the Newton Fire Department in Newton for 32 years. He was a member of the Izaak Walton League and Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion in Bloomfield. Wallace loved to fish and hunt.
He is survived by his wife; step-son, Rick Raridon of Newton; two step-daughters, Wendy (Mark) Vorel of Tigard, Ore., Sharon (Wes) Ruby of Melbourne; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dwaine and Carl Baker; and two sisters, Barbara Wilcox and Shirley Halpin.
Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the West Grove Cemetery with Bob Leonard officiating. Military rites will be performed by Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion in Bloomfield. No visitation is planned. Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield is assisting the family and online condolences may be directed to www.waglerfuneralhome.com.